KARACHI: All major transport associations across Pakistan have announced a countrywide wheel jam strike in solidarity with the business community on July 19.
Malik Sher Khan, head of the Karachi Goods Carrier Association, said transporters fully support the traders’ protest. “On July 19, there will be no vehicle movement or supply operations anywhere in the country. If traders decide to extend the strike, we are ready to stand with them,” he declared.
He confirmed that all transporters will join the Karachi Chamber of Commerce strike on July 19, and the wheel jam will continue until the chamber’s demands are met. Goods transport services will remain suspended nationwide.
Presidents of transport associations from across the country held a joint press conference with the President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce, voicing support against certain clauses (37A and 37B) of the Sales Tax Act included in the Finance Bill.
Javed Balwani, President of Karachi Chamber, said they are receiving repeated calls from the Prime Minister’s Office and Finance Ministry for negotiations, but the Finance Minister has yet to meet them in Karachi.
He added, “In an emergency meeting today, we decided we are open to talks, but only if our five key demands are temporarily suspended. Only then will the strike be called off.”
Balwani further stated that the transporters have assured their full support even if the strike is extended.
