LAHORE – Transporters have launched a protest on Monday by suspending transportation in various cities of Punjab against the newly enforced Traffic Ordinance 2025, leaving passengers, students and goods supply stranded.
The strike is being observed in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Okara and other cities of the province with transport associations asserting that they will not end the protest until the new traffic rules are suspended by the government.
In Rawalpindi, inter city, intra city and goods transportation services have been suspended. Reports said students were unable to reach their schools due to unavailability of the transport.
A day earlier, the Transporters Grand Alliance held a press conference, warning that both goods transport and public transport services will remain suspended until their demands are met.
A coalition of transport leaders has called on the Punjab government to immediately revoke the newly introduced Traffic Ordinance 2025, arguing that the proposed measures unfairly burden the sector.
The alliance criticized the ordinance for imposing what they consider excessively high fines and penalties, making the movement of goods across the region increasingly challenging.
Representatives from the transport industry further expressed concern that the new enforcement approach has effectively criminalized drivers.
They pointed out that numerous cases are being filed against drivers across various routes, putting them under undue pressure.
Additionally, they raised concerns about the sharp disparity in licensing fees, noting that while the cost of obtaining a driving license is Rs1,200 nationwide, it is a steep Rs 12,000 in Punjab.
