Transporters call off strike in Punjab

LHC issues notices on plea against ordinance multiplying traffic penalties

LAHORE:

Transporters called off their wheel-jam strike after reaching an agreement with the Punjab government on Monday.

The development came amid mounting complaints over steep penalties and intensified traffic enforcement across Punjab.

Taking up the matter, the Lahore High Court did not suspend the Punjab Motor Vehicle Ordinance 2025.

Justice Farooq Haider took up a petition filed by Advocate Azhar Siddique who had challenged the legality of the ordinance and argued that the government had imposed steep fines through an ordinance at a time when Parliament was in session. He told the court that citizens were facing heavy penalties and FIRs under the new framework and urged the bench to halt implementation until the matter was decided.

The judge issued notices to the Punjab government and other respondents, seeking replies within two weeks, but refused to suspend enforcement in the meantime.

He observed that any decision regarding a stay would be taken only after the respondents had submitted their positions.

Meanwhile, transport associations withdrew their strike call after talks with government officials.

The groups had announced a provincewide halt to public transport, goods carriers, rickshaws and intra-city services, accusing authorities of subjecting them to "unjust" fines under the new rules.

Following negotiations, representatives said the government had agreed to review several contentious penalties and enforcement processes, prompting them to resume operations.

At the same time, residents are facing a rise in helmet prices as police intensify action against those riding without proper safety gear. Commuters say basic helmets previously available for Rs350-400 are now selling for Rs500 or more. Retailers report brisk sales and attribute the price jump to extraordinary demand, noting that higher-quality models are retailing between Rs5,000 and Rs6,000, while premium options can exceed Rs18,000.

Shoppers complain they are caught between strict enforcement - which includes a Rs2,000 fine for motorcyclists without helmets - and an inflated market. Vendors counter that substandard helmets may prevent a challan but cannot protect riders in the event of a crash.

The Punjab Motor Vehicle Ordinance, which triggered the dispute, came into force this week after approval from the governor and introduced sweeping changes to road safety rules, documentation requirements and penalties. The law sharply increased fines for violations including signal jumping, speeding, overloading, smoke emissions, fake number plates, window tinting and driving without registration documents.