A major transporters association on Monday decided to call off its strike against the Punjab Traffic Ordinance 2025 after holding successful negotiations with the Punjab government.
The Punjab government reportedly assured the transporters that enforcement of the law on commercial transport would be suspended for 15 days.
However, another group of transporters has refused to end the strike.
In other parts of the country, including Karachi, transporters continued to observe the strike, causing hardships for traders and commuters.
Public and goods transporters earlier called for an indefinite strike across Punjab against the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 2025, bringing major transport hubs to a halt.
The strike also disrupted fruit and vegetable supply to wholesale markets.
Speaking to reporters after talks in Lahore, Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan said the government had suspended enforcement of the ordinance on the chief minister’s directions and assured transporters that their concerns would be addressed.
He admitted that the government had not consulted all stakeholders before enforcing the new law, adding that further consultations would be held in the coming days to draft a more workable framework.
Following the negotiations, one of the two major groups — the Pakistan Mini Mazda Association — agreed to call off the strike.
However, the Pakistan Mini Mazda Goods Transport Association insisted the protest would continue until a written notification of suspension was issued.
Transporters warned that they will not back down unless their demands are met.
They argued that the new ordinance imposes excessive penalties, in some cases double the fare amount, and should be withdrawn immediately.
Strike continues in Karachi
In Karachi, the goods transport strike continued, with a large number of vehicles parked along Mauripur Road.
Transporters alleged that drivers were being penalised despite having valid fitness certificates, route permits and licences.
Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance President Malik Shehzad Awan said only containers carrying export goods would be allowed to reach the port.
He warned that the strike would continue until the federal, Punjab and Sindh governments accepted their demands.
The Punjab Traffic Ordinance 2025 — also known as the Punjab Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 — was issued by the Punjab governor on November 25.
According to the government, the law aims to improve road safety, curb accidents, reduce smog and modernise enforcement through digital tools.
It carries fines of up to Rs100,000 and six-month imprisonment for certain violations, and also holds parents and vehicle owners responsible if minors are found driving.
Traffic police had intensified their crackdown soon after the ordinance came into force.
Meanwhile, the Lahore High Court on Monday heard a petition challenging the motor vehicle ordinance.
Justice Farooq Haider sought replies from the Punjab government and other respondents within two weeks.
The petitioner argued that the ordinance imposed excessive fines and was being used to register cases against citizens, urging the court to declare it unconstitutional.
The court, however, rejected the request to immediately halt its implementation.
