KARACHI: Goods transport associations across Pakistan have announced a complete nationwide wheel-jam strike on July 19, pledging full solidarity with the business community in protest against provisions in the Finance Bill.
Speaking at a press conference at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Malik Sher Khan, President of the Karachi Goods Carrier Association, declared that no supply vehicle would run anywhere in the country on July 19.
“If the traders decide to extend the strike, the transport community is fully prepared to support a longer shutdown,” Khan said, while standing alongside industrialists in a show of unity.
He confirmed that all transporters will participate in the strike led by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce, and that the goods transport system would remain suspended nationwide until KCCI’s demands are met.
The press conference was jointly addressed by the heads of goods transport associations from across the country and KCCI President Javed Bilwani.
The strike is being held against sections 37A and 37B of the Sales Tax Act, recently introduced in the Finance Bill.
Bilwani stated that the chamber has received multiple calls from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Finance requesting negotiations.
However, he criticised the finance minister for not visiting Karachi or engaging directly with business leaders.
“In today’s emergency meeting, we decided we are open to dialogue with the government, but our condition is clear: our five key demands must be met immediately. Only then will we consider calling off the strike,” Bilwani asserted.
He added that the transport associations have committed to continuing their support for the strike, even if it is extended in the coming days.
