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KARACHI Aug 17,2026: Pakistan’s goods transporters have suspended their nationwide strike for 40 days after the federal and Sindh governments agreed to address their key concerns.
The main issues include fuel prices, toll taxes, parking facilities and axle-load limits.
The decision came during a high-level meeting at the Governor House in Karachi on Sunday. Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nihal Hashmi chaired the meeting.
Federal Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, Sindh Labour and Social Security Minister Saeed Ghani, Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, senior officials and representatives of the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance attended the meeting.
Alliance President Malik Shahzad Awan said the government had heard the transporters’ concerns and assured them that several issues would be resolved.
“We are not ending the strike. We are postponing it,” Awan said at a joint press conference.
He said the government had agreed to review toll taxes, address parking problems and reconsider petroleum pricing. It also agreed to resolve disputes over axle-load limits.
Some issues have already been settled, while others will be presented to the federal cabinet.
Awan said Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan had agreed to form a committee to review toll taxes and consider reducing them.
The government also agreed to consider changing the petroleum pricing mechanism. Instead of daily adjustments, prices could be reviewed every 15 days or once a month.
Meanwhile, the Sindh government assured transporters that it would address parking problems faced by goods vehicles.
Awan warned that transporters could resume their strike if the government failed to implement its commitments.
The dispute intensified after fuel costs and toll charges increased. Transporters also raised concerns over frequent changes in petroleum prices.
They said rising operating costs had made it increasingly difficult to keep goods vehicles on the road.
Speaking after the meeting, Governor Nihal Hashmi said all stakeholders had received an opportunity to present their concerns. He urged the government and transport industry to resolve outstanding issues through consultation.
He also stressed the importance of national unity, mutual cooperation and the national interest.
The 40-day suspension will provide temporary relief to Pakistan’s freight and supply chains after more than a week of disruption. However, the transport alliance has made it clear that the suspension depends on the government fulfilling its commitments .
