The All-Pakistan Goods Transporters Alliance starts an indefinite nationwide wheel-jam strike today, August 8, 2026, threatening supply chains across the country.
Cargo trucks, containers, and oil tankers remain off the roads today as the All-Pakistan Goods Transporters Alliance begins its indefinite nationwide strike. Transport leaders announced the decision following emergency meetings, citing severe financial hardship caused by high taxes and expensive diesel.
Demand for Petroleum Minister’s Resignation
Alliance leader Malik Shahzad Awan called for the immediate resignation of Federal Minister for Petroleum and Energy, Ali Pervaiz Malik. Transporters hold the minister directly responsible for policies that have created an unprecedented financial crisis for vehicle owners and drivers.
Key Demands Behind the Shutdown
The alliance presents a list of demands to the federal and provincial governments:
- Lower taxes on diesel and restore fuel prices to July 1, 2024, levels.
- Cut withholding tax on cargo transporters from 7% to 2%.
- Reverse recent increases in toll taxes.
- Abolish the Finance Act 2026 rule allowing complete vehicle confiscation for carrying non duty paid goods.
- Enforce uniform axle-load regulations at factory loading points rather than roadside checkpoints.
- End daily diesel price adjustments by OGRA and return to monthly reviews.
Operational Impact and Strategy
Alliance leaders, including Muhammad Owais Chaudhry and Malik Shahzad Awan, confirm the strike remains peaceful. Transporters park their heavy vehicles instead of blocking main highways.
However, alliance leaders warn that a prolonged freight shutdown will quickly impact imports, exports, and the supply of daily essential goods.
