Transport unions across Pakistan have announced a nationwide wheel-jam strike on December 19 to protest heavy traffic fines, vehicle impoundments, and what they describe as harassment by enforcement authorities.
The All Pakistan Transport Federation, along with inter-city, inter-district, goods transport and pickup-and-drop unions, declared that transport services from Khyber to Karachi will come to a halt on the announced date. Union leaders said the shutdown will include buses, wagons, goods carriers, intra-city transport, and student and employee shuttle services.
They added that markets, business centers, industrial units, factories, petrol pumps, government offices, banks, wholesale markets and supply chains would also be impacted due to the suspension of transport services across the country.
Transport representatives said the strike will remain in place until the government withdraws the revised traffic challan and fine system. They accused authorities of failing to honor earlier commitments and claimed that increasing penalties and impoundments have made it difficult for transporters to operate.
Union spokespersons Asif Khan, Lala Suhail and Tariq Khan said they reached the decision after consulting multiple sectors affected by the new enforcement measures. They warned that “Pakistan will be completely shut down on December 19” if the government does not address their demands.