Punjab on Hold: Transporters Demand Rollback of Traffic Ordinance 2025
LAHORE — Transport across Punjab came to a halt today as thousands of drivers began a wheel-jam strike, protesting the new Traffic Ordinance 2025, which introduces much steeper fines for traffic violations.
As reported earlier, transporters had called for a province-wide strike on December 8 if the government did not withdraw the ordinance.
Led by the Pakistan Transport United Action Committee (PTUAC), the strike has stopped intercity buses, city vans, goods trucks, rickshaws, and loaders, leaving commuters stranded and disrupting deliveries across cities.
“The new fines are unaffordable and were imposed without any consultation,” said PTUAC leaders.
Islamabad–Rawalpindi Joins Protest
The strike is not limited to Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan. Local public transporters in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have also launched a wheel‑jam strike on December 8, rejecting appeals by local authorities to postpone the protest.
According to transport‑union representatives, the hike in fines per the new traffic laws severely impacts heavy‑vehicle operators, causing widespread financial strain. Freight and goods carriers in the twin cities have pledged full support for the strike, with all major transport terminals reportedly shut down.
Talks Stalled — Second Meeting at 2:00 PM Today
An earlier round of talks between transporters and the Punjab government failed to reach a solution. A second meeting is scheduled for 2:00 PM today.
So far, officials have refused to delay or suspend the law. Punjab IGP Dr. Usman Anwar called the strike “blackmail” and defended the new penalties as necessary for improving road safety.
“Driving without a licence invites disaster. We won’t compromise on safety,” he said.
Why Are Transporters Protesting?
The Traffic Ordinance 2025 significantly increases fines for violations such as:
- Driving without a valid licence
- Overloading of goods or passengers
- Operating without route permits
- Speeding or running traffic signals
Transporters, especially small-scale drivers are saying these fines are too harsh, especially given rising fuel prices and economic stress.
How the Strike Is Affecting Punjab
The impact has been widespread:
- Commuters stuck: Public transport services are off the roads in cities like Lahore, Faisalabad, twin cities and Multan.
- Goods delayed: Food, fuel, and industrial supplies have slowed across distribution routes.
- Markets disrupted: Retailers warn prices may rise if the strike continues.
“If today’s talks fail, we’ll take this nationwide,” warned PTUAC leaders.
They say the strike will continue until the government rolls back or revises the new ordinance.
What Happens Next
All eyes are now on the 2:00 PM meeting. If talks succeed, services may resume soon. If not, Punjab could face even more disruption, or a nationwide protest.
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