Negotiations between goods transporters and the government have finally concluded successfully, leading to the immediate end of a countrywide transport strike that had continued for ten consecutive days. The development has eased concerns across the industrial sector, which had been facing severe delays due to halted supply chains.
According to the spokesperson of the Goods Transporters Association, the government accepted most of their major demands, prompting transporters to restore vehicle operations starting tonight. The spokesperson added that the government’s cooperative and serious approach played a crucial role in the positive outcome of the discussions.
The transporters’ demands included amendments to the relevant act, withdrawal of FIRs lodged against drivers and vehicle owners, cancellation of heavy fines, provision of space for one thousand containers at ports, and clearance of trucks stuck at the Pakistan–Afghanistan border. They had also requested the establishment of mobile units on highways and motorways to facilitate the issuance of LTV and HTV driving licenses.
Goods Transport Association President Malik Shehzad Awan stated that federal, Punjab, and Sindh government committees consistently assured them that all major demands would be addressed. He confirmed that a detailed draft agreement has been signed between the government and the association, and its official notification will be issued shortly. Malik Shehzad Awan also thanked all transporters and stakeholders for standing together during the strike.
