# Transporters’ Strike Continues as Deadlock with Government Persists
**ISLAMABAD:** The deadlock between the government and the **All Pakistan Goods Transporters Alliance** continued despite two days of negotiations, with transporters refusing to call off their strike until their demands are formally accepted and written assurances are provided.
According to an official statement, a detailed meeting chaired by **Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan**, who is also convener of the committee constituted by the Prime Minister, agreed to establish a **Joint Monitoring Committee** comprising customs authorities and representatives of goods transporters.
The meeting, held on Tuesday, reviewed both short- and long-term measures to address transporters’ concerns regarding their dealings with customs authorities.
**Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwaar** participated through video link and assured transporters of his ministry’s full and immediate cooperation on matters related to maritime affairs.
Abdul Aleem Khan directed relevant authorities to promptly resolve complaints regarding weigh stations and announced that **modern weigh stations with minimal human intervention would be established across motorways**.
The transporters’ delegation appreciated the minister’s efforts to address their concerns. On his directions, senior officials of the **Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)** also presented recommendations on proposals submitted by the transporters.
Officials from port and shipping authorities, including the **Karachi Port Trust (KPT)**, briefed participants on relevant issues, while proposals concerning the **National Highway Authority (NHA)** and Motorway Police were also discussed.
On the axle-load issue, transporters expressed support for Abdul Aleem Khan’s policy stance, stressing that the matter should be addressed at its source through a **uniform nationwide policy**.
The five-hour meeting also included discussions between senior officials of the **Ministry of Petroleum** and representatives of the goods transport sector.
However, transporters disputed the government’s claim of a breakthrough. **Muhammad Owais Choudhry Advocate**, President of the All Pakistan Goods Transporters Owners Association, said significant progress had been made during talks with government ministers and senior officials, but the strike would continue until their demands were accepted and backed by written assurances.
The transporters are primarily demanding **uniform enforcement of axle-load limits nationwide**, along with permission for 10-wheel vehicles to carry up to **35 tonnes**. Other demands include monthly fixing of diesel prices, reduction in toll taxes and relief in withholding tax to reduce the financial burden on the transport sector.
The strike, which has entered its **fifth day**, has also raised concerns among business and industrial bodies. The **Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI)** and the **Pakistan Textile Council** have warned that the prolonged disruption could lead to shortages of food and other consumer goods and trigger wider disruptions across industrial production.
They cautioned that continued suspension of goods transport could affect the supply of raw materials, delivery of finished products, fuel supplies, domestic trade and export shipments, potentially creating a cascading impact on the broader economy.
Story by Hamza Habib
