Transporters press govt for relief amid nationwide strike threat

July 27, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance President Malik Shahzad Awan met Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi on Sunday to discuss the challenges facing the transport sector, including rising petroleum prices, toll taxes, withholding taxes, and the implementation of the December agreement.

During the meeting, Governor Muhammad Nehal Hashmi urged transporters to support the government during challenging times, emphasizing that national interest should remain the top priority.

He assured the delegation that their concerns would be taken up with the federal government and that every possible effort would be made to address the industry's issues.

Malik Shahzad Awan said transporters have continued providing services despite suffering financial losses under wartime-like conditions.

He called for relief in toll and withholding taxes and urged the government to implement the commitments made under the December agreement. He also thanked the governor for hearing the transporters' concerns and assuring support.

The meeting comes as the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance has warned it could launch a nationwide strike over soaring diesel prices and the government's daily fuel price revision mechanism introduced on July 21.

The alliance argues that frequent fuel price increases are making it difficult for freight operators to sustain their businesses and has urged the government to review the policy through dialogue.

Similar concerns have been raised by the All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association, which has also declared a nationwide strike after talks with the petroleum minister over the daily pricing mechanism ended without an agreement.

Petrol dealers are demanding a return to monthly fuel price revisions, saying the current system has created operational and financial uncertainty.

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