Goods transporters announce strike in two provinces over excessive toll tax

LAHORE: Following the series of strikes against a tax-heavy budget, the Pakistan Goods Transporters Association has also announced a strike in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from July 25.

In a statement, Association president Nabeel Mahmood Tariq said that the strike was initially scheduled for July 15 but was postponed due to the sanctity of Muharram.

He said, the strike was announced due to excessive toll tax’ and unjust fines, adding, that initially the strike will be observed in two provinces – Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – and may expand it to other provinces if their demands are not met.

The goods transporters are protesting against the increase in toll tax every three months, and the exorbitant fines imposed on them. The association demanded an end to the extortion system on highways and the transfer of axle load to the motorway police.

The association president warned that if their demands are not met, they will be forced to call a nationwide strike promoting a disruption in goods transportation and supply chains in the two provinces.

Earlier, the government had announced a 30% increase, but most toll taxes have been raised by 35% to 40%. For 2 to 3-axle trucks, the toll tax on national highways has been increased from Rs120 to Rs150, and for large trucks from Rs250 to Rs350.

Similarly, on the M5, it has been increased from Rs3,280 to RS4,500, amounting to a 37% increase. For axle trucks on the M3, the toll tax has been increased from Rs1,550 to Rs2,100, and for buses, it has been raised from Rs.1200 to 1600.