Islamabad (City Reporter): The All Pakistan Goods Transporters Alliance has announced a nationwide wheel-jam strike from Saturday, August 8, 2026, in protest against the increasing financial burden on the transport sector, repeated hikes in diesel prices, toll taxes, withholding tax, and other government policies.
Addressing a press conference at the National Press Club Islamabad, President of the All Pakistan Goods Transport Owners Association, Muhammad Owais Chaudhry Advocate, along with Malik Shafaa Ullah Awan, Malik Nisar, and other representatives, said that the continuous changes in diesel prices have pushed the transport industry into a severe crisis.
The transporters demanded that taxes imposed on diesel be reduced and fuel prices be brought back to the level of July 1, 2024. They also pointed out that cargo transporters are currently paying 7% withholding tax, whereas the oil tanker sector pays only 2%, demanding that the withholding tax for cargo transporters also be reduced to 2%.
The alliance strongly rejected the provision introduced under the Finance Act 2026, which allows authorities to confiscate an entire vehicle if non-custom-paid goods are found in it. They termed the law “unjust” and demanded its immediate withdrawal, urging the government to restore the previous system under which a fine was imposed and the vehicle was released.
The transporters also called for uniform implementation of axle load regulations across the country. They said overloading should be controlled at the source, including factories, warehouses, and loading points, rather than using roadside penalties as a source of revenue.
Among their other demands were simplification of the Heavy Transport Vehicle (HTV) driving licence procedure, reduction in toll taxes, and replacing the daily diesel price adjustment mechanism with a review every 15 days or on a monthly basis.
The leaders alleged that current government policies have left small transporters, vehicle owners who purchased trucks on instalments, and drivers facing serious financial hardships, making it increasingly difficult to continue their businesses.
They stated that despite repeatedly approaching the government through letters, meetings, and the media, no meaningful progress had been made. They warned that if the government fails to initiate immediate negotiations and accept their demands, all goods transport vehicles, including containers, oil tankers, and cargo trucks, will remain off the roads across Pakistan from August 8.
The transporters clarified that the protest will remain peaceful. They said roads will not be blocked; instead, transporters will voluntarily park their vehicles and suspend operations.
The alliance further warned that if the government does not engage in negotiations, the strike could severely affect the country’s economy, imports, exports, and the supply of essential commodities, adding that the responsibility for any resulting disruption would rest with the government.
