It may be recalled that the transporters alliance urged the Punjab government to immediately withdraw the Traffic Ordinance 2025. Representatives said the proposed measures would place an excessive burden on the sector, citing what they described as disproportionately high fines and penalties. They stated that the new regulations had made the movement of goods increasingly difficult.
Transport leaders added that drivers had been turned into “criminals” under the current enforcement approach, with cases being filed against them across various routes. They also highlighted discrepancies in licensing fees, noting that while the driving licence fee across the country stands at Rs1,200, it is Rs12,000 in Punjab.
They cautioned that if the government did not accept their demands, the strike would continue for an indefinite period, affecting goods supply chains and inter-city passenger movement across the province.
Transport federation leaders said that on December 19, goods and public transport from Khyber to Karachi will come to a standstill.
Bus, wagon and rail services, intra-city transport, markets, shopping areas, business centres, industrial units, factories, the banking sector, petrol pumps, government offices, educational institutions, wholesale markets, supply chains and goods transport will all remain closed.
They said the strike will continue until the new traffic challan and fine system is withdrawn.
Vice president and spokesperson Asif Khan, Lala Suhail and Tariq Khan said the government had not fulfilled any of its promises, and they were now moving towards a complete wheel-jam strike after consulting other sectors. "On December 19, Pakistan will be shut — completely shut," they said.
Private transport operators across Punjab, including Lahore,will observe a wheel-jam strike on Friday (Dec 19)against the Traffic Ordinance 2025.
In Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Sahiwal, Rawalpindi divisions and across Punjab, itracity and intercity transport will remain suspended following the transporters’ announcement of a wheel-jam strike. Numerous bus terminals and booking offices on Shera Kot, Bund Road will be closed, causing severe inconvenience to passengers.
Due to the suspension of transport, the delivery of goods in various cities may come to a halt. With the supply of items disruption, there are concerns about shortage of edibles and other items.