Key Trucking Associations Reject Government Claim of Strike Settlement

LAHORE — A number of major goods transport associations on Sunday rejected the Punjab government’s claim that issues with transport owners had been resolved and the ongoing wheel-jam strike called off, insisting they would continue their protest until their demands were accepted in full.

The government’s assertion followed a meeting held on Saturday between Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Provincial Transport Minister Bilal Akbar and senior officials with representatives of certain goods transport unions. After the meeting, participating unions announced an end to the strike, with the senior minister also declaring that the transport sector would be granted the status of an industry. She invited transport owners to submit their recommendations by Wednesday.

However, several leading heavy vehicle and truck-trailer associations distanced themselves from the announcement, saying they were neither invited to the talks nor represented in the meeting. They maintained that the strike remained in place for their members and would continue until their demands were addressed “in letter and spirit”.

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Representatives of heavy vehicle transporters said the government had engaged only a limited number of associations, while ignoring key stakeholders who form the bulk of the goods transport sector. They argued that any decision taken without broader consultation could not be considered binding.

Khalid Arain of the Punjab Stone Transporters Association, Sargodha, said his association, which operates in what he described as the province’s largest stone-crushing market at Pul-11, had been excluded from negotiations. He said the sector employed between 300,000 and 400,000 people but had received no direct engagement from the government.

“We are part of the All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance, which comprises more than 10 major unions,” Arain said. “We want the government to resolve our issues. Otherwise, we have no option but to continue the strike.”

Similarly, All Pakistan Truck Trailer Owners Association chief Lala Yasir Naseer said his organisation had not endorsed the government’s claim of a settlement. He said he had declined to participate in discussions held by what he described as only two associations, explaining that any decision to end the strike must be taken collectively.

He added that transporters linked to Karachi-based unions could not withdraw independently, as operations at all three ports in Karachi remained affected by the strike. “If the ports are closed, how can we call off the strike on our own?” he asked.

The continued disagreement has cast uncertainty over the government’s announcement, with transport activity in several areas remaining disrupted. Industry observers say a comprehensive resolution may require broader engagement with all major transport bodies to avoid further economic fallout from the prolonged strike.