Punjab Strike Cripples Trade, Traders Demand CM Intervention
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A nationwide transport strike entered its sixth day on Friday, December 13th, 2025, with traders and transporters sharply criticizing the Punjab chief minister’s governance and calling for an end to what they describe as “anti-business actions.” While a limited number of groups have tentatively agreed to suspend their protest, major transport associations remain steadfast in their demands, causing widespread disruption to supply chains and raising concerns about significant economic losses.
Nationwide Disruption and Billions in Losses
The ongoing wheel-jam strike is having a cascading effect across Pakistan’s economy. According to reports, goods are piling up at key ports and factories, threatening international commitments and domestic supply. The All pakistan Anjuman Tajiran Pakistan estimates daily losses exceeding billions of rupees.
Grievances Center on New Ordinance and Heavy Fines
The core of the dispute lies with the recent implementation of an amended motor vehicle ordinance.Transporters allege the ordinance empowers local officials to impose excessively heavy fines and initiate legal proceedings – including the filing of First Information Reports (FIRs) – for even minor violations.
At a joint press conference, representatives from both the trading community and transport sector voiced their unified opposition to the government’s actions. “There is no business in Lahore and in the rest of Punjab,” declared a senior official from the All Pakistan Anjuman Tajiran Pakistan. “Business activities have also come to a grinding halt in Sindh and other provinces due to the closure of goods transport. At present, no goods in the wholesale markets are being transported to other cities from Lahore.”
The official further pleaded for direct engagement with the chief minister, stating, “You (the CM) are our leader. Please listen to us.” They also alleged that previous attempts at dialog were undermined when a senior minister contradicted commitments made by the transport minister. “which governance style is this? Who is giving advice to the government? Why are we being treated like the culprits of May 9 incidents?” they questioned.
limited Progress as Key associations Remain Defiant
While the office bearers of the Mazda Goods Transport Association and the Punjab Goods Transport Alliance announced their decision to call off the strike after a meeting with Lahore police, the move was quickly dismissed by larger, national-level organizations.
“As the DIG police has assured us to resolve the issue, we have decided to call off the strike,” explained Muhammad Attique, an office-bearer. “We will also meet the CM and the senior minister today (Saturday).”
Though, Lala Yasir Naseer, chief of the All Pakistan Truck trailer Owners Association, emphasized that the national associations would not end the strike until their demands are met. “Only two groups have announced to call off the strike, but we are not with them. Moreover, the strike is being observed across the country and not just Punjab,” he stated. “We will only call off the strike after suspension of the disputed clauses of the motor vehicle ordinance and other highhandedness with the transporters on the part of enforcement officers.”
Karachi Ports Face Congestion
the impact of the strike extends to Pakistan’s major ports. Tariq Gujjar, Chairman of the Transporters of Goods Association (TGA), reported that all three ports in Karachi are currently experiencing congestion. “Our several trucks and trailers are impounded in Punjab due to the implementation of the ordinance and other issues,” he explained. “Similarly, the Sindh government has also issued a letter to implement laws related to operating old trucks and was taking similar actions.”
The TGA is also demanding adequate parking facilities for goods transport vehicles at all three Karachi ports. “We are with the transporters of Punjab and other provinces and will continue our strike till the acceptance of our demands,” Gujjar warned.
The situation remains fluid, with the potential for significant economic repercussions if a resolution is not reached swiftly.
