Goods carriers in Pakistan have declared an indefinite strike as of right now.

 The All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance has announced an indefinite strike across the country from August 8 over rising fuel prices, the daily pricing mechanism for petroleum products and the imposition of a 7% withholding tax on the transport sector.

President of the All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance Malik Shahzad Awan confirmed the indefinite strike, saying the federal government has summoned the transport alliance for a meeting on Monday.

Malik Shahzad Awan said a committee has been formed to represent the transport alliance in talks with the government. He added that the strike would continue until the government meeting concludes and the alliance announces its future course of action.

He said negotiations between the goods transport alliance and the authorities at the commissioner’s office had failed.

The alliance is protesting against increases in petrol and diesel prices, the daily determination of petroleum product prices and the imposition of a 7% withholding tax on the transport sector.

Meanwhile, President of the All Pakistan Goods Transporters Owners Association Owais Chaudhry demanded that 10-wheeler vehicles be allowed to carry up to 35 tonnes of weight and called for immediate relief in diesel prices and toll taxes.

He also called for changes to laws concerning allegedly unjustified challans, heavy fines and vehicle confiscation.

Owais Chaudhry further demanded a reduction in withholding tax and the issuance of heavy vehicle driving licences to drivers.