Lahore, December 8, 2025: Transporters across Punjab called off their province-wide strike on Monday after successful negotiations with the provincial government, with representatives confirming that the authorities had largely accepted their demands.
The strike — also observed in Islamabad — had been called by various transport bodies in protest against the recently introduced Punjab Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which significantly increased traffic fines.
Talks were held between a government team led by Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar and a delegation of the Mutahidda Transporters’ Association’s action committee. Following the meeting, action committee member Lala Yasir told Dawn that the government had agreed to revise the ordinance and address other concerns raised by transporters.
Yasir said transporters had demanded an end to the registration of FIRs against drivers and owners of heavy vehicles for minor traffic violations. The government, he added, had assured that no such criminal cases would be lodged and that “excessive fines” would not be imposed on drivers or vehicle owners.
He further said the government agreed to constitute joint committees to review the new ordinance with transporters’ input and incorporate necessary amendments. Another meeting between both sides is scheduled for tomorrow.
Earlier, Muttahida Transport Federation of Rawalpindi–Islamabad Chairperson Raja Muhammad Riaz criticised the government during ongoing talks, alleging that authorities were “not serious about resolving the matter” and had even tried to divide the transporters’ association.
In the twin cities, public transport operations remained partially suspended throughout the day due to the wheel-jam strike. Early morning traffic on major roads was visibly lighter than usual, and several school van operators also joined the protest, causing difficulties for commuters.
The Pirwadhai General Bus Stand — one of Rawalpindi’s busiest terminals — witnessed reduced activity, with many inter-city vehicles standing idle in the bays. However, Qingqi rickshaws, small vans, and loading vehicles continued to operate in commercial areas such as Raja Bazaar and along link roads.
The Goods Transport Association also participated in the strike. Despite this, Regional Transport Authority Secretary Asad Shirazi claimed that a significant number of goods-carrying vehicles remained operational “despite threats from associations,” adding that the government would extend full facilitation to transporters who continued their services.
Meanwhile, reports emerged of disruptions in the supply chain of food and essential items due to the suspension of goods transport along the Grand Trunk Road — one of the country’s key north–south trade routes.
