Punjab Transport Strike Ends, Govt Says ‘No Promises Made’
LAHORE: Punjab’s province-wide transport strike has officially ended, but confusion remains as government officials publicly deny the relief measures transporters say were promised.
Why the Strike Happened
Transporters launched the strike in protest against the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 2025, calling it overly harsh. Key objections included:
- Higher fines on drivers and vehicle owners
- First Information Reports (FIRs) against violations
- Strict enforcement without consultation
The strike brought intercity and local transport to a standstill across major cities, stranding thousands of commuters and affecting daily life.
Claims of a Breakthrough — Then Denial
On Monday, transporters announced they were calling off the strike. According to their representatives, the government had agreed to:
- Suspend FIRs and heavy fines temporarily
- Begin a review process of the ordinance within 15 days
However, shortly after this announcement, Punjab Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb publicly refuted these claims.
ٹریفک آرڈیننس پر عمل درآمد روکنے کا کوئی حکم جاری نہیں ہوا۔ ایسی قیاس آرائیاں محض جھوٹ ہیں۔ وزیراعلی مریم نوازشریف نے آج ایک بارپھر پورے پنجاب میں ٹریفک قوانین سے متعلق قانون پر موثر اور سخت عمل درآمد کا حکم جاری کیا ہے۔ عمل نہ کرنے والے سے سختی سے نمٹنے کی ہدایت کی ہے۔ عوام اور…
— Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) December 8, 2025
“No clause of the ordinance has been suspended. These reports are false and baseless,” she stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter), adding that public safety will not be compromised.
Mixed Signals Leave Drivers in Limbo
The conflicting statements have left drivers and transport owners unsure whether the penalties under the new ordinance are currently being enforced. Transport leaders say they ended the strike in “good faith,” based on official-level talks, but no formal notification has been issued by the government.
Without a clear policy update, many fear they could still face legal action despite returning to the roads.
What’s Next?
With no written commitment from the government and growing distrust among transporters, stakeholders now await clarification. The coming days will likely determine whether dialogue continues, or if further unrest brews.
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