The Pakistan Transport Alliance has escalated its confrontation with the government, announcing that its nationwide strike will continue indefinitely until the newly introduced Traffic Ordinance 2025 is withdrawn. The group has also released a 12-point charter of demands outlining what it calls unfair and impractical requirements imposed on transporters.
At a press conference in Lahore, alliance leaders said the ordinance is “unacceptable” and urged authorities to roll it back immediately. They argued that the new penalties and enforcement measures disproportionately target transporters and will severely affect their livelihoods.
🚛 Key Demands from the Transport Sector
Transporters pressed the government to stop what they describe as unnecessary challans against vehicles that already possess complete documentation. They also called for an easier, faster process for obtaining driving licenses.
Among their broader demands:
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Grant industry status to the transport sector
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Issue new route permits and halt challans during permit processing
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Reduce toll taxes and remove additional toll plazas
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Improve the vehicle inspection and passing system
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Ensure proper registration of police cases involving kidnapping of transporters or theft of cargo
🔑 Drivers Submit Keys as Symbolic Protest
Pakistan Transport Alliance President Haji Sher Ali said the strike would only end once the ordinance is withdrawn. He added that drivers have turned in their vehicle keys as a symbolic sign of full shutdown.
Alliance Chairman Riaz Tajik echoed the sentiment, saying the government’s verbal assurances were nothing but “lollipops.” He insisted the strike will continue until all demands are accepted. Tajik also claimed the transport shutdown has already caused the government billions of rupees in losses.
With no breakthrough yet, Pakistan continues to feel the impact of halted transport services, while negotiations between the two sides remain deadlocked.
