Transporters in Punjab have announced a province-wide wheel-jam strike for Monday to protest the newly introduced Traffic Ordinance 2025, which they say unfairly imposes heavy fines and must be withdrawn immediately.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Lahore, leaders of the Pakistan Transport United Action Committee rejected the ordinance outright. They said that the new fines were “unfair” and placed an excessive financial burden on transporters.
They warned that public transport across Punjab would remain suspended until the government withdraws the ordinance. Goods transport, minibuses, loaders, rickshaws, and all intra-city, inter-district, and inter-provincial transport services will take part in the strike.
The first round of negotiations between the Punjab government and transporters ended without progress, with a second meeting scheduled for today at 2 pm.
Responding to the strike announcement, Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar said the government would not give in to “blackmailing” or pressure. He stressed that driving without a licence was dangerous and unacceptable.
“In civilised countries, laws are followed, not challenged through strikes,” the IG said. He added that driving without a licence was like having a “licence to kill”, and that such practices could not continue.
Punjab police recently issued more than 63,000 challans worth over Rs80 million within 24 hours during a province-wide crackdown on traffic violations. According to a police spokesperson, 28,000 challans were issued for helmet violations, while thousands more were issued for other offences.
Police also confiscated nearly 24,000 vehicles during the operation.
