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Goods transporters have called off a 10-day nationwide strike after the government agreed to reduce fines, resolve axle-load issues, and ease transport regulations.
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transporters strike ends Pakistan
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Pakistan goods transporters strike
PGTA demands accepted
axle load limit dispute
Punjab Motor Vehicles Ordinance 2025
freight movement resumes Pakistan
Transporters End 10-Day Strike After Govt Accepts Key Demands
Goods transporters across Pakistan on Wednesday called off their 10-day strike after successful negotiations with federal and provincial authorities, bringing much-needed relief to industries hit by supply chain disruptions.
The strike had severely impacted the movement of raw materials, local production, and exports, causing heavy financial losses across multiple sectors.
Freight Movement Resumes Nationwide
Nisar Hussain Jafri, Chairman of the Pakistan Goods Transporters Alliance (PGTA), confirmed that the government had accepted the group’s major demands, prompting transporters to resume operations.
“The government accepted our key demands and goods movement has resumed,” Jafri said.
The PGTA represents around 20 major transport associations operating nationwide.
Strike Withdrawal Announced in Karachi
The decision to end the strike was formally announced at a press conference held at the Gulbai Truck Stand in Karachi.
PGTA President Malik Shehzad Awan, accompanied by:
- Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar
- Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, representing the Sindh government
said the strike was withdrawn based on written assurances and a signed settlement document.
“After 10 days, we have called off the strike as the federal, Punjab, and Sindh governments accepted our demands,” Awan said.
Key Demands Accepted by the Government
According to transporters, the authorities agreed to address several long-standing issues, including:
Major Concessions
- Substantial reduction in traffic fines
- Resolution of axle-load limit disputes
- Simplification of heavy transport driving licences
- Settlement of issues with Customs authorities and Motorway Police
- Review of controversial clauses in the Punjab Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Ordinance 2025
Truck Parking and Infrastructure Plans
As part of the agreement, authorities also announced infrastructure measures to ease congestion in Karachi.
Parking & Road Projects
- 50 acres temporarily allocated for truck parking on Mai Kolachi Road, under KPT control
- 600 acres on the Northern Bypass (M-10) to be acquired for permanent truck parking
- Construction of a 6km stretch of Northern Bypass to be completed by April 2026
- Expansion of port access roads to six lanes, with designs to be finalised by March 2026
Action Against Container Theft
The settlement also includes steps to address container-theft complaints.
The Sindh police have been tasked with:
- Investigating theft allegations
- Taking strict action against organised gangs involved in looting import containers
Transport Associations Confirm Operations Restarted
Lala Yasir Naseer, Chairman of the All Pakistan Truck Trailer Owners Association, confirmed that freight operations had resumed.
“We have instructed our members to resume business activities,” he said.
Punjab Govt Withdraws FIRs, Heavy Fines
Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar announced:
- Abolition of heavy fines
- Withdrawal of FIRs registered against transporters
- Recognition of fitness certificates issued in Karachi, valid in Punjab for six months
He added that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had directed the construction of:
- Truck stands in major cities
- Rest areas for drivers across Punjab
Sindh Govt Took Transporters Into Confidence
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said the Sindh government ensured consultation with transporters before implementing policies affecting them.
Strike Talks Initially Stalled
Negotiations between transporters and officials from:
- Punjab and Sindh governments
- Customs department
- Ministry of Communications
were held on Tuesday but failed to reach a conclusion.
A breakthrough came on Wednesday during a meeting at the Customs House Karachi, attended physically and via video link by senior federal and provincial leaders.
Industry Suffers Heavy Losses
Industrialists said the strike, which began on December 8, caused massive losses.
Economic Impact
- Textile sector losses estimated at $500 million
- Demurrage and detention charges at ports
- Slowed or halted production lines
- Missed vessel sailings and export order cancellations
They warned that prolonged disruptions had endangered Pakistan’s export commitments.
Strike Triggered by Traffic Ordinance 2025
The protests were sparked by the enforcement of the Punjab Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which introduced:
- Sharply increased fines
- Stricter penalties for overloading, speeding, and older vehicles
Transporters said the ordinance imposed an unsustainable financial burden on the sector.
Relief for Economy as Transport Normalises
With freight movement restored, industries expect:
- Gradual normalisation of supply chains
- Resumption of exports
- Reduction in congestion at ports and factories
The end of the strike comes as a major relief for Pakistan’s already stressed economy.
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