ISLAMABAD: Transporters’ call for a strike in Islamabad and Rawalpindi today failed. All the schools, colleges, universities, government, and public offices remained operational today. The major roads in the twin cities were crowded with vehicles, especially at peak time in Monday morning.
The major roads in Islamabad and Rawalpindi did not show any sign of a strike on Monday morning as the public ignored the transporters’ call for a complete strike today.
However, in Punjab province, the transporters also announced a wheel-jam strike for Monday to protest heavy fines under the Traffic Ordinance 2025. They demanded the immediate withdrawal of the ordinance. Leaders of the Pakistan Transport United Action Committee addressed a joint press conference in Lahore. They categorically rejected the new law and called it unfair to transporters. They claimed the government imposed heavy fines through the ordinance without proper consultation.
The leaders said public transport would remain suspended until the government withdrew the ordinance. They insisted that the strike would continue if authorities delayed action. Their announcement prompted concerns across the province as commuters braced for disruptions.
Strike to impact major transport services
Transport leaders said goods transport, minibuses, loaders, and rickshaws would also join the strike. They stressed that intra-city, inter-district, and inter-provincial services would also remain suspended. They argued that the increased penalties burdened drivers already facing financial strain.
The first round of talks between transporters and the Punjab government failed. The transport association said a second round of talks would take place today at 2 pm. However, uncertainty persisted as both sides remained firm on their positions.
Punjab police defend strict enforcement
Reacting to the strike call, Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar rejected pressure tactics. He said the police would not bow to blackmail or undue demands. He added that driving without a licence causes fatal accidents. He said the law must be upheld in civilised societies. He stressed that driving without a licence effectively becomes a licence to kill.
Last week, Punjab police intensified their crackdown on traffic violations. Officials issued at least 63,970 challans worth over Rs80 million in 24 hours. A police spokesperson said the challans targeted vehicles and motorcycles across the province. He added that 28,000 challans were issued in a day for helmet violations. He reported that 4,312 challans were issued for other rule breaches. He also confirmed that the police confiscated 23,904 vehicles during the operation.
Commuters brace for major travel disruptions
Public mobility remains uncertain as the strike takes effect today. Transporters warned that operations would remain halted until authorities reconsider the ordinance. The situation now depends on today’s scheduled negotiations.
