Negotiations between the government and goods transporters have collapsed, setting the stage for an indefinite nationwide wheel-jam strike beginning Saturday. The breakdown came after Friday night talks with Federal Minister for Communications Aleem Khan ended without a breakthrough, according to Mohammad Owais Chaudhry Advocate, president of the All Pakistan Goods Transport Owners Association and spokesman for the All Pakistan Goods Transport Itehad. Main Developments Transporters, including edible oil tanker operators, petroleum oil tanker operators, truckers, trailer operators, and other intercity carriers, have already started suspending services. Commercial vehicles are being taken off the roads and will remain stationed at designated places during the protest period. The strike is not a token gesture; it is an indefinite action, as previously announced. "We have informed the government side about the problems we are facing and our concerns," Chaudhry said, adding that the strike will continue until their demands are met. Read also: Third medical board set for exhumation of Mir Ali Raza's body However, Minister Aleem Khan has assured transporters that he will discuss their demands, and the next round of talks is scheduled for Monday morning. This leaves a narrow window for a possible resolution before the strike escalates. Background The strike was announced earlier, with the unified body of transporters warning that it would begin on August 8. The decision follows months of mounting grievances over operational costs and regulatory burdens. Key demands include uniform enforcement of axle-load limits across the country, permission for 10-wheel vehicles to carry up to 35 tonnes, reductions in diesel prices and toll taxes, and relief in withholding tax. Transporters are also calling for the withdrawal of customs provisions that allow authorities to confiscate vehicles carrying goods in violation of customs laws. Why It Matters The strike threatens to disrupt supply chains nationwide, affecting the delivery of essential goods such as food and fuel. With petroleum oil tankers and edible oil carriers joining the action, shortages could emerge quickly, impacting consumers and businesses alike. The dispute also highlights broader tensions between the transport sector and government policies, including the Punjab Highway Patrol's authority to issue challans to commercial vehicles, which the association says leads to unnecessary fines on motorways and highways. What's Next All eyes are on Monday's talks, where the government will respond to the transporters' demands. If no agreement is reached, the indefinite strike will continue, potentially crippling cargo movement across Pakistan. Transporters have also demanded measures to facilitate the issuance of heavy transport vehicle licences to drivers, a step that could improve sector efficiency if implemented.