The All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance (APGTA) on Sunday announced the suspension for 40 days of its nine-day nationwide strike following assurances from both the federal and Sindh governments to resolve their concerns.
Addressing a joint press conference alongside Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab and Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, APGTA President Malik Shahzad Awan said the federal and provincial governments had assured transporters of resolving key issues, including toll tax reduction, parking issues, petroleum pricing and axle load limits.
He claimed several issues had already been resolved by the federal and provincial governments, while assurances had been given the rest would be taken up at the cabinet level. “We are not ending the strike; we are postponing it,” he said, warning if the assurances were not implemented, the protest could resume.
The communications minister, meanwhile, said a committee would be formed to review and reduce toll taxes, revert to a fortnightly fixation of petroleum prices, and that 10-wheeler trucks would be allowed to carry appropriate weight limits. The Sindh government also gave assurances that the parking issue would be resolved, said Awan.