By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE: Pakistan Mini Mazda Association Central President Tanveer Ahmad Jutt has warned that transporters across the country will launch a nationwide wheel-jam strike if the government fails to immediately address their long-standing demands, saying the transport sector is facing an unprecedented financial crisis due to rising operational costs, increased taxation and policy uncertainty.
Speaking after leading a high-level delegation of the Pakistan Mini Mazda Association in a meeting with Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Faheem ur Rehman Saigol, Jutt said the transport community had exercised patience for a long time, but repeated assurances from the government had not translated into practical relief.
“Our demands are legitimate and directly linked to the survival of thousands of transport businesses and millions of livelihoods. We have always preferred dialogue, but if our concerns continue to be ignored, we will have no option but to announce a nationwide wheel-jam strike,” he said.
Jutt said the transport sector serves as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy by ensuring the uninterrupted movement of goods across the country. However, he noted that transporters are struggling with soaring fuel prices, expensive vehicle maintenance, higher spare parts costs, toll taxes, transfer fees, token taxes and other operational expenses.
He maintained that the recent increase in token tax and other government levies had placed an unbearable burden on transport operators, particularly small and medium-sized vehicle owners.
“Every new tax or fee ultimately increases the cost of transportation, which is eventually passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices of essential commodities. Supporting transporters is not just about helping one sector—it is about protecting the entire supply chain,” he added.
The association chief also demanded the immediate removal of unnecessary toll plazas and a review of all additional road charges, arguing that transporters were being forced to pay multiple taxes without receiving improved infrastructure or services in return.
Calling for the restoration of the Mini Mazda transport service, Jutt said the sector provides direct and indirect employment to hundreds of thousands of families and plays a vital role in Pakistan’s logistics network.
“The Mini Mazda fleet is an important part of the country’s goods transport system. Any decline in this service negatively affects businesses, industries and commercial activities throughout Pakistan,” he said.
Jutt also raised concerns over the seizure of vehicles allegedly carrying non-customs-paid goods. He argued that transporters hired only to transport cargo should not be penalised for offences committed by consignors or owners of the goods.
“If illegal goods are recovered, action should be taken against those responsible for the cargo rather than confiscating vehicles belonging to transporters who simply provide transportation services,” he said.
He recalled that transporters had previously called off a protest after receiving assurances from the Punjab government that their demands would be addressed.
“Unfortunately, none of the promises made at that time have been implemented. The transport community feels disappointed because repeated commitments have remained confined to meetings without practical outcomes,” he remarked.
Jutt said extensive consultations had already been completed with goods transport organisations and transport associations from across Pakistan, and there was broad consensus on the future course of action.
“If the government still fails to respond positively, transporters from all provinces will jointly participate in a nationwide strike. The responsibility for any disruption to transport services will rest entirely with the government,” he warned.
Despite announcing plans for possible protest, Jutt stressed that transporters remained conscious of the public interest.
“We understand the importance of uninterrupted supplies of food, medicines and other essential commodities. Even during any future protest, we will make every possible effort to minimise hardship for the public while continuing our democratic struggle for our rights,” he said.
He welcomed the role of Lahore Chamber President Faheem ur Rehman Saigol, who assured the delegation that the chamber would facilitate dialogue between the government and transporters.
“We appreciate the Lahore Chamber’s willingness to help resolve these issues. We consider the chamber an effective bridge between the business community, transporters and policymakers, and we hope meaningful negotiations will produce a practical solution acceptable to all stakeholders,” Jutt said.
Concluding the interview, Jutt urged the federal and provincial governments to engage with transport representatives before introducing new taxes or regulatory measures.
“Transporters are partners in Pakistan’s economic development. We seek consultation, fair policies and equal treatment—not confrontation. If the government takes timely and sincere action, these issues can be resolved through dialogue. However, if our genuine concerns continue to be ignored, the transport community will remain united and fully prepared to protect its rights through peaceful democratic means,” he added.
