Private transport operators in Punjab, including Lahore, have declared a wheel-jam strike starting Monday (today) to protest the Traffic Ordinance 2025.
During a press conference, the Transporters Grand Alliance announced that both goods and public transport will halt unless their demands are satisfied. Goods transport, mini-Mazda vehicles, loaders, and rickshaws are also participating, halting intra-city, inter-district, and inter-provincial transport.
The alliance urged the Punjab government to revoke the Traffic Ordinance 2025 immediately, arguing that the new measures impose excessive burdens with what they consider unfairly high fines and penalties. They mentioned these regulations complicate the movement of goods.
Transport leaders claimed that drivers have been criminalized under current enforcement, with cases filed against them on various routes. They also pointed out inconsistencies in licensing fees, noting the fee is Rs1,200 nationally but Rs12,000 in Punjab.
They warned the government that if their demands are not met, the strike will continue indefinitely, impacting goods supply and inter-city passenger travel in the province.
The first negotiations between the transporters and the Punjab government were unsuccessful. The Transport Association stated that the next round of discussions is at 2 pm today.
Furthermore, Inspector General of Punjab Police Dr. Usman Anwar commented that, in civilized nations, people back law enforcement rather than strikes.
He said that driving without a license is equivalent to inviting death and accidents, and that they will not succumb to any blackmailing when it comes to protecting the lives of schoolchildren.