Traders and transporters intensified criticism of the Punjab government as the transporters’ wheel-jam strike entered its sixth day, further disrupting business activity across Punjab and other provinces.
Representatives of trader bodies and transport associations held a joint press conference, accusing the provincial government of adopting what they described as anti-business policies.
They specifically objected to the enforcement of the amended Motor Vehicle Ordinance, which allows field officers to impose heavy fines and register FIRs against transporters for traffic violations.
All Pakistan Anjuman Tajiran Pakistan General Secretary Naeem Mir said the strike had effectively halted commercial activity in Lahore and significantly disrupted supply chains nationwide. He stated that goods movement from wholesale markets had stopped, affecting businesses not only in Punjab but also in Sindh and other provinces due to the suspension of interprovincial transport.
Traders urged the chief minister to engage directly with the business community and review enforcement practices, saying repeated inspections and strict penalties had already placed pressure on businesses before the strike.
Meanwhile, two transport groups, including the Mazda Goods Transport Association and the Punjab Goods Transport Alliance, announced they would end their strike after receiving assurances from Lahore police officials. However, major national-level transport associations rejected this move and continued the protest.
All Pakistan Truck Trailer Owners Association Chairman Lala Yasir Naseer said the strike would continue nationwide until the government suspended disputed clauses of the ordinance and halted what he termed excessive enforcement.
Transport leaders also warned that prolonged disruption could deepen economic losses if the dispute remains unresolved.
