The All Pakistan Goods Transporters Association has announced its support for a nationwide wheel-jam strike scheduled for August 8, warning that rising operational costs and frequent fuel price changes have made it increasingly difficult for transporters to continue their business.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Association President Nabeel Mahmood Tariq said the transport sector is facing severe financial pressure due to the government’s fuel pricing mechanism, increasing taxes, and administrative hurdles. He warned that without immediate government action, the country’s logistics and supply chain network could face serious disruption.
Tariq emphasized that the transportation industry plays a vital role in Pakistan’s economy by ensuring the movement of food, fuel, industrial raw materials, and consumer goods across the country. However, he said daily or frequent revisions in petroleum prices have created uncertainty for transport operators, making it difficult to estimate operating costs or offer competitive freight rates.
According to the association, many transporters are already parking their vehicles because sudden increases in fuel prices during trips often result in financial losses. The organization called on the government to introduce a more stable and predictable fuel pricing policy to help the industry manage its operations effectively.
The association also demanded an end to repeated customs inspections at inter-provincial checkpoints, arguing that lengthy checks delay deliveries, increase transportation costs, and create opportunities for corruption. It urged authorities to adopt modern, technology-based customs procedures that facilitate smoother cargo movement while maintaining security.
Among its other demands, the association called for the withdrawal of recent increases in motorway and highway toll taxes, saying higher toll charges have further increased business expenses. It also criticized the reported 300 percent increase in Punjab’s commercial vehicle token tax, describing the measure as excessive and harmful to small transport operators.
Nabeel Mahmood Tariq further urged the Punjab government to establish modern truck terminals equipped with proper parking, maintenance facilities, rest areas, and loading infrastructure to improve working conditions for drivers and reduce traffic congestion.
The association confirmed its full support for the nationwide wheel-jam strike announced by transport unions for August 8. Officials described the protest as a peaceful effort to draw attention to the industry’s concerns rather than a political movement.
Transport leaders warned that if their demands remain unaddressed, thousands of trucks, trailers, and tankers could suspend operations, potentially disrupting the supply of essential goods, industrial production, and commercial activity across Pakistan.
The association appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and provincial governments to hold urgent consultations with transport representatives, stressing that the industry is seeking policy stability, fair taxation, and transparent administrative practices rather than financial assistance.
