Goods transporters strike enters third day, government negotiations continue amid oil and freight disputes.

On Friday night, goods transporters withdrew from the road ahead of a strike that began Saturday, marking the third consecutive day of a wheel‑jam protest that has stalled cargo movement across the country. Represented by the All Pakistan Goods Transport Ittehad alliance, the strikers have put forward three main demands. They seek an increase in the permissible weight for 10‑wheeler vehicles from 27.5 to 35 tonnes and a reduction in toll tax rates. They also want diesel pricing revisions to occur monthly rather than daily, and they demand adjustments to customs duties and income tax. Government negotiations opened Monday morning and resumed in the afternoon. The talks were led by Communications Minister Aleem Khan and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, with representatives from federal and provincial ministries and agencies. The discussions ended inconclusive, with both sides holding firm on their positions. A senior government official explained that diesel price adjustments reflect volatility in international markets, not a local issue. The government is considering lowering toll tax for heavy vehicles and may amend axle load limits. The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry warned that a prolonged strike would damage industrial production, supply chains, exports, and overall economic activity. Its president offered the chamber's mediation role and urged immediate engagement at the highest levels. The Pakistan Textile Council chairman wrote to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that the strike could severely affect textile supply chains and export shipments, and he urged the formation of a meeting to resolve the deadlock.