QUETTA: The countrywide strike by All Pakistan Goods Transporters entered its fourth consecutive day on Wednesday as truck owners vowed to continue their protest until their demands in the charter of demands are fully accepted. According to the Balochistan Goods Truck Owners Association, the ongoing strike has disrupted the supply of essential food items nationwide. Farmers in Punjab are facing losses during the orange harvest season, while thousands of vehicles remain stuck at Karachi port. The association urged the government to “wake up to the crisis” and take immediate steps to address transporters’ concerns, warning that the national economy risks a major shock if the deadlock persists.
The Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) also announced full support for the strike, calling the recently introduced Transport Ordinance 2025 “unilateral and unacceptable.” During a meeting with leaders of the Balochistan Goods Truck Owners Association, QCCI officials said the ordinance was implemented without consulting transporters, creating serious reservations within the sector. They urged the government to remove concerns immediately to prevent further disruption in business activities, cautioning that essential supplies could be severely affected.
Meanwhile, the All Balochistan Fruit and Vegetable Commission Agents Association also rejected the Punjab government’s Traffic Ordinance 2025, terming it “anti-transporter and anti-traders.” In a meeting with goods transport leaders, the association condemned the behaviour of motorway, excise, petroleum police, and customs officials, alleging unjust fines, harassment, and violence against drivers. They warned that the ongoing strike could paralyze the economy, especially the fresh produce market, where even a day’s delay leads to spoilage and billions in losses. The association urged federal and Punjab authorities to take urgent notice and ensure justice for transporters.
