Transport Alliance Calls August 8 Strike

With negotiations still failing to resolve key issues, the All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance has announced a nationwide peaceful strike on August 8, urging the federal and provincial governments to immediately address the transport sector's pending demands.

A delegation led by Alliance President Malik Shahzad Awan met Additional Inspector General of Motorway Police Javed Akbar Riaz on the instructions of Inspector General Chaudhry Sultan to discuss the transporters' concerns.

According to Malik Shahzad Awan, the meeting focused on complaints regarding what transporters described as unjustified motorway police fines and the implementation of axle-load regulations.

Both sides also discussed the need to ensure that traffic laws are enforced fairly and consistently across the country. The Motorway Police assured the delegation that it would play an active role in preventing vehicle overloading.

The participants further held detailed discussions on determining appropriate weight limits for 10-wheeler trucks.

In addition, the delegation reviewed commitments previously made by the Secretary Communications, the Chairman of the National Highway Authority (NHA) and the Inspector General of Motorway Police during the nationwide transport strike held in December.

Reaffirming the alliance's stance, Malik Shahzad Awan said the peaceful nationwide strike on August 8 will proceed unless the federal and provincial governments accept the alliance's demands and honour the assurances previously given.