A province-wide transport shutdown has begun in Punjab today as goods transporters launch a wheel-jam strike against heavy traffic fines and the recently introduced Motor Vehicle Ordinance 2025.
The strike has disrupted goods movement and public transport in several cities, leaving passengers stranded and businesses anxious.
Goods transporters say they are “worried and exhausted” due to what they describe as heavy challans, excessive fines, and unjustified cases being filed against drivers. Their central demand: the immediate repeal of the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 2025.
The president of Punjab's goods transporters body said the strike would not end in a day or two, stressing that the protest will continue until all demands are accepted.
Chaudhry Maqbool stated that drivers are regularly facing unjustified cases, adding to financial and legal pressure.
Full-scale strike begins
Transporters have announced a wheel-jam strike across the province, halting the movement of goods-carrying vehicles. Goods transport depots in Lahore’s Sherakot area were fully closed as operations came to a standstill.
Also Read: Transporters announce nationwide strike on Dec 10 over increased traffic fines
In Duniyapur and surrounding towns, a complete public transport strike was observed. Bus stands remained deserted, and passengers were visibly worried as vehicles stayed off the roads.
Severe disruptions reported
Kabirwala also witnessed a complete shutdown, with buses and goods transport suspended due to the ongoing strike.
Transporters reiterated that heavy fines and cases must be relaxed or withdrawn, calling the current measures unbearable.
Passengers in Kabirwala struggled to find alternatives, as rickshaws and other rides were scarce at bus depots. Many commuters said they were unable to reach workplaces or attend urgent travel commitments.
Last week, the All Pakistan Goods Transport Owners Association had said that they had given the authorities a December 8 deadline to accept their 25-point list of demands.
Public and goods transport associations said the rise in traffic penalties had placed an excessive burden on drivers and owners. Goods transport representatives warned that the supply of essential items would be halted if their demands were not met by the deadline.
Moreover, the good transporters said goods carriers also demanded an end to targeted challans and called for approval of all 25 demands, including the reversal of the revised penalty structure.
