Transporters in Punjab have announced a province-wide strike on 8 December, with plans to escalate to a nationwide shutdown starting 10 December, protesting the recent increase in traffic fines imposed by the Punjab government. The All Pakistan Goods Transport Association (APGTA) stated that the strike, described as a “wheel-jam,” will commence if authorities fail to address their 25-point list of demands by the set deadline. APGTA President Nabeel Tariq revealed these details during a press briefing in Lahore.
According to Tariq, the government implemented the Traffic Ordinance 2025 without consulting transport stakeholders, causing significant operational disruptions. He noted that nearly 80 percent of transport operations have been affected due to the hefty fines introduced under the new regulations. Both public and goods transport associations argue that the revised penalties place an excessive financial burden on drivers and vehicle owners, threatening the movement of essential goods across the province and the country.
Transport representatives also highlighted growing security concerns on highways, citing an increase in robberies, and stressed the need for dedicated land to establish new truck stands throughout Punjab. They warned that unless the government addresses these operational, financial, and safety issues, the strike could severely disrupt the transport sector, affecting both commercial logistics and public mobility. The associations called for immediate dialogue with authorities to prevent a full-scale transport shutdown.
