ISLAMABAD/KARACHI – The federal government and the All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance began negotiations on Monday to resolve a nationwide strike by goods transporters, which entered its third day.
Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, the Minister for Ports and Shipping and representatives of the Finance Ministry are participating in the talks on behalf of the government.
The transporters’ delegation is headed by alliance president Malik Shehzad Awan. Other representatives include Chaudhry Qamar Zaman Gul, Malik Shabbir Khan, Nisar Hussain Jafri, Imdad Hussain Naqvi and Chaudhry Owais.
The two sides are discussing the transporters’ demands and possible measures to end the strike.
Meanwhile, the wheel-jam strike remained in force across the country. Transport leaders said freight vehicles of all sizes were parked from Karachi to Chitral, bringing goods movement to a standstill in several areas.
Transport activity was also suspended in parts of Malakand Division, along the Dir-Chitral Highway, in Chakdara and in Swat.
According to the transporters, hundreds of trucks carrying fruits and vegetables have remained stranded for three days, disrupting trade and affecting the supply chain.
The transport alliance has warned that it will continue the strike indefinitely if its demands are not accepted.
The negotiations are aimed at reaching an agreement and restoring the movement of goods across the country.
