Fines reduced, axle-load limits reviewed, truck parking approved

Strike Officially Withdrawn

KARACHI: Goods transporters across Pakistan on Wednesday called off their 10-day strike after the federal government, along with Punjab and Sindh authorities, accepted their key demands, restoring the movement of raw materials, industrial goods, and export consignments.

The announcement was made following negotiations involving multiple government departments and representatives of the Pakistan Goods Transporters Alliance (PGTA), which represents around 20 major transport associations nationwide.

PGTA Chairman Nisar Hussain Jafri confirmed that freight movement had resumed after authorities formally accepted the transporters’ demands and signed a settlement document.

Key Demands Accepted

Addressing a press conference at the Gulbai Truck Stand in Karachi, PGTA President Malik Shehzad Awan said the strike was withdrawn based on firm assurances from the federal, Punjab, and Sindh governments.

Among the major concessions agreed upon were:

• Substantial reduction in fines
• Resolution of disputes over axle-load limits
• Reforms related to heavy transport driving licences
• Resolution of issues with Customs authorities and motorway police
• Review of controversial clauses in the Punjab Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Ordinance 2025

Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar confirmed that heavy fines and FIR registrations against transporters had been abolished, while fitness certificates issued in Karachi would now be recognised in Punjab for six months.

Parking, Infrastructure, and Port Access

To ease congestion around Karachi’s ports, authorities agreed to temporarily allocate 50 acres of land for truck parking near Mai Kolachi Road, under the administrative control of the Karachi Port Trust (KPT).

Additionally, around 600 acres on the Northern Bypass (M-10) will be acquired from the Sindh government and earmarked for long-term truck parking.

Infrastructure upgrades were also announced:

• Construction of a 6-kilometre stretch of the Northern Bypass by April 2026
• Expansion of the route to six lanes, with final designs expected by March 2026

Action Against Container Theft

The settlement also addressed transporters’ concerns regarding container-theft gangs, with the Sindh Inspector General of Police tasked to investigate complaints and take strict action against those involved.

Economic Impact of the Strike

Industrialists say the strike, which began on December 8, severely disrupted manufacturing and exports, particularly in Punjab.

The textile sector alone reportedly suffered losses of nearly $500 million, while demurrage and detention charges piled up due to stranded containers at ports and factories.

Production lines were slowed or shut down, increasing the risk of missed vessel sailings, cancelled export orders, and long-term damage to Pakistan’s trade commitments.

Industry and Transporters Resume Operations

All Pakistan Truck Trailer Owners Association Chairman Lala Yasir Naseer confirmed that transporters nationwide had been instructed to resume operations immediately.

Sindh Minister Murtaza Wahab, who is also Karachi’s mayor, said the provincial government had taken transporters into confidence before implementing decisions affecting the sector.

A final breakthrough came after a high-level meeting at the Customs House in Karachi, attended physically and via video link by senior federal and provincial officials, including ministers for communications, ports and shipping, and finance.