Punjab Goods Transporters Begin Province Shutdown

A province-wide transport shutdown began in Punjab today as goods transporters launched a wheel-jam strike against heavy fines.

The strike disrupted goods transport and public travel across several cities, leaving passengers stranded and businesses increasingly anxious.

Transporters said they felt worried and exhausted due to heavy challans, excessive fines, and unjustified cases routinely filed.

Their central demand is the immediate repeal of the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 2025, which they say has worsened drivers’ legal and financial vulnerability.

The president of Punjab’s goods transporters body warned the strike would not end in a day or two and vowed persistence until demands are accepted.

Chaudhry Maqbool said drivers regularly face unjustified cases that add financial and legal pressure on families and transport businesses across the province.

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Goods transport depots in Lahore’s Sherakot area were fully closed as operations came to a standstill and vehicles stayed idle on loading bays.

In Duniyapur, surrounding towns and Kabirwala, a complete transport strike left bus stands deserted and many passengers stranded.

Passengers reported scarce rickshaws and rides at depots, leaving commuters concerned about cancelled journeys and limited travel options.

Last week the All Pakistan Goods Transport Owners Association said it had given authorities until December 8 to accept their 25-point demands.

Transport associations warned that the rise in traffic penalties had placed an excessive burden on drivers and threatened to halt supplies of essential items.

Goods carriers reiterated calls for withdrawal of targeted challans and approval of all 25 demands, including reversal of the revised penalty structure.