Karachi : Goods transport associations across Pakistan have pledged full support to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce’s ongoing protest by declaring a nationwide wheel jam strike on July 19.
Malik Sher Khan, head of the Karachi Goods Carrier Association, stated that no transport vehicles will operate anywhere in the country on the strike day. He emphasized that transporters are ready to extend the shutdown if the business community decides to prolong their strike.
“Our community stands firmly behind the Karachi Chamber. Until their demands are addressed, the wheel jam will persist, halting all goods transport nationwide,” said Malik Sher Khan.
The joint announcement was made during a press conference held at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce, with transport leaders from across Pakistan and the Chamber’s president present. The strike is primarily in opposition to clauses 37A and 37B in the Sales Act incorporated in the new Finance Bill.
Karachi Chamber President Javed Bilwani called on the Finance Minister to immediately suspend the controversial clauses and meet their five key demands to end the strike. Bilwani mentioned that while officials from the Prime Minister’s office and the Finance Ministry have contacted them for talks, the Finance Minister has not yet engaged despite being in Karachi.
The Chamber held an emergency meeting and decided to pursue dialogue with the government, insisting that their demands be put on hold before ending the strike.
Bilwani assured that transporters remain fully committed to supporting the strike, regardless of its duration.
