Carr.pk

Punjab Transport Strike Ends, Govt Says ‘No Promises Made’

Carr.pk
Carr.pk
2 min read
Punjab Transport Strike Ends, Govt Says ‘No Promises Made’ - Carr.pk

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.

“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.

For more updates and the latest automobile news, visit the PakWheels Blog