A province-wide Wheel-Jam Strike has brought public transport and commercial vehicles to a standstill across Punjab, causing massive disruption for commuters, businesses, and daily travelers. The strike, organized by the Pakistan Transport United Action Committee (PTUAC), is a protest against the recently introduced Traffic Ordinance 2025, which transporters claim imposes excessively harsh fines and unaffordable penalties.

According to the committee, all major modes of transport, including public buses, goods carriers, mini vans, loaders, rickshaws, and intercity vehicles, have ceased operations across the province. The protestors argue that the ordinance is placing financial pressure on already struggling drivers, particularly in the face of rising fuel prices and an unstable economy.

Leaders of the PTUAC highlighted that driving licence fees have jumped from Rs1,200 to Rs12,000, and fines for traffic violations have become “exorbitant,” making it impossible for many drivers to comply. They insist that unless the government withdraws the ordinance, the strike will continue. This protest comes after a failed first round of negotiations with the Punjab government, with a second round scheduled for 2 PM today. The committee has made it clear that transport services will not resume until their demands are fully addressed.

In response, IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar issued a stern warning, emphasizing that the government’s zero-tolerance policy on traffic violations will remain in effect. He cautioned that the strike could endanger schoolchildren and other vulnerable commuters. According to the IG, traffic regulations are crucial for public safety, and driving without a valid licence contributes to road accidents and fatalities, making enforcement non-negotiable. As the strike continues, commuters across Punjab remain uncertain about when normal transport services will resume.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)