Goods transporters’ strike enters sixth day as talks With government fail
The nationwide strike by goods transporters has entered its sixth consecutive day after negotiations with the federal and provincial governments failed to produce a breakthrough.
President of the Goods Transporters Association Nabil Mahmood Tariq said the talks had reached a deadlock, with no agreement reached on the key demands of the transport sector. He warned that the strike would continue indefinitely unless the government addressed the concerns raised by transporters.
Speaking to Geo News by telephone, Nabil Mahmood Tariq said the negotiations failed because of what he described as the government’s rigid stance. According to him, transporters are particularly concerned about frequent changes in diesel prices, which they say make it difficult to manage transportation costs and business operations.
He said the government had also refused to reduce toll taxes or guarantee that existing toll rates would remain unchanged for at least one year. Transporters have maintained that rising operating expenses, including fuel and toll charges, are putting increasing pressure on the sector.
The association president said the government had offered limited concessions on customs-related matters and axle-load restrictions, but the proposals were not sufficient to end the strike.
He further alleged that authorities had not yet fully assessed the economic consequences of the ongoing shutdown. According to him, the impact would become more visible in the coming days if the dispute remained unresolved.
The strike has already begun affecting the movement and supply of essential commodities in several parts of the country. Disruptions in the transportation of fruits and vegetables have raised concerns about shortages and further increases in prices.
In Balochistan, the strike has reportedly contributed to higher prices of several food items. In Quetta, for instance, the price of chicken meat has increased from around Rs500 to Rs550 per kilogram amid supply disruptions.
Meanwhile, efforts are continuing in Karachi to maintain the supply of vegetables through smaller vehicles. However, transport-sector representatives warn that such arrangements may not be sufficient to meet normal market demand if the strike continues for an extended period.
The prolonged protest has raised concerns among traders, consumers and businesses that rely heavily on road transportation. Any further delay in resolving the dispute could increase pressure on supply chains and potentially push up the prices of essential goods.
