The Punjab transporters have officially ended their wheel-jam strike after a detailed meeting with the provincial government, bringing relief to thousands of commuters and businesses affected by the shutdown. The strike, which caused major disruption across cities including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Multan, was launched in protest against the heavy fines and strict penalties introduced under the new Motor Vehicle Ordinance 2025.
Why Transporters Went on Strike
Transporters argued that the revised traffic law imposed unaffordable fines, frequent challans and FIRs for minor violations. According to transport unions, small vehicle owners and intercity transporters were facing severe financial pressure due to these sudden changes. As a result, the transport associations united and announced a province-wide wheel-jam strike.
Government–Transporters Talks
After hours of negotiations, the meeting between transport leaders and the provincial transport minister ended positively. The government agreed to temporarily halt the enforcement of heavy fines and assured that FIRs would not be filed for routine traffic violations. Officials also decided to form a joint review committee consisting of government representatives and transporter unions to reassess the controversial clauses of the ordinance.
Strike Called Off
Following the government’s assurances, transport associations announced the end of the strike, restoring public and goods transport across Punjab. Bus services, urban routes and intercity travel gradually returned to normal, easing travel for citizens who had been stranded or facing inflated fares due to reduced transport availability.
Remaining Concerns
Although the strike has been called off, some transporters still demand a complete revision of the ordinance instead of a temporary suspension. They insist that the final decision must protect drivers from excessive penalties and ensure fair regulations for all commercial vehicles.
What This Means for the Public
With transport services now resumed, daily commuters, students, traders and industrial sectors are experiencing immediate relief. The upcoming meetings between the government and transporter unions will play a crucial role in shaping future traffic and transport policies in Punjab.
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