Transporters announce freight hike, warn another strike

President of the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance, Malik Shahzad Awan, has strongly criticized the latest surge in petroleum prices, calling it a major blow to the country’s transport sector.

In a statement, Awan said transporters across Pakistan strongly condemn the repeated hikes in diesel prices. He announced a 15% increase in goods transport freight charges, citing the sharp rise in operating costs.

Awan said, diesel prices have increased by PKR 13 per litre last week and a further PKR 30 per litre in the latest revision, making it increasingly difficult for transporters to continue operations.

The alliance urged the federal government to immediately withdraw increases in toll taxes and withholding tax, and to provide relief to the transport sector. Awan also called for the abolition of motorway tolls, traffic police fines, and other levies imposed on goods transporters.

He said the transport industry is already under severe financial pressure, with many operators being forced to park their vehicles due to rising costs. He added that the ongoing regional security situation has further affected the transport business, while governments at both the federal and provincial levels have failed to offer any meaningful support.

Awan warned that transporters have continued operating at a loss in the broader national interest, but the government’s policies are pushing the sector towards a nationwide strike. He cautioned that if authorities fail to review their policies and fulfill commitments made to transporters following the nationwide strike in December, Pakistan’s transport network could face serious disruption.