Punjab government announces end of nationwide transport strike

Punjab Minister Maryam Aurangzeb on Thursday announced the end of the nationwide transport strike after negotiations with transporters, saying four joint committees would address the sector’s concerns.

The transporters withdrew their strike after concluding negotiations with the Punjab government, following discussions between representatives of All Pakistan Transporters and State Minister Maryam Aurangzeb.

This decision follows negotiations addressing carrier concerns. In a joint statement, the transporters said the strike had been called off after receiving assurances from the government and agreed to continue discussions in formal committees.

The strike was called to demand amendments to transport laws, withdrawal of FIRs and fines against drivers and vehicle owners, and allocation of dedicated space for containers at ports. The transporters also demanded clearance of vehicles stuck at the Pakistan-Afghan border and deployment of mobile licensing units on highways and highways to issue LTV and HTV driving licenses.

Read: “Transporter strike disrupts supply chain”

In Sindh, the strike disrupted the movement of goods from Karachi and Qasim ports, causing a major delay of containers. The Pakistan Customs Officers’ Association reported that around 25,000 import containers, including edible oil, industrial raw materials and consumer goods, were awaiting clearance, while nearly 15,000 export containers failed to reach ports. Business leaders warned that the transport shutdown had put trade and industry under pressure, with exporters facing the risk of missing shipping deadlines and financial losses.

According to a statement from the government office, transporters welcomed the decision to grant industry status to the transport sector and agreed on a joint review of the Traffic Ordinance 2025. Four joint committees covering freight transport, mini-mazda transport, public transport and service vehicles were formed to work with stakeholders and prepare recommendations for the sector.

The committees will operate throughout the year and examine transport-related issues in coordination with the government. Representatives of All Pakistan Transporters are expected to visit Lahore in the coming days to continue consultations.

Speaking to media after the meeting, Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said the strike ended after negotiations and the government would continue negotiations to resolve outstanding issues. She added that impasse is in no one’s interest and that improvement can only come from commitment.

Aurangzeb said the transportation and traffic system will be developed in line with international best practices, with emphasis on safety and operational efficiency. She noted that 2.1 million driving licenses were issued following recent reforms, as many drivers were previously driving without a license.

Learn more: Freight carrier strike stifles trade as containers pile up at ports

She described the ongoing reforms as the first phase of a larger process and added that transport-related issues in areas such as Badami Bagh and Chiniot would be addressed on priority. Plans are also underway for a modern bus terminal and four vehicle inspection points.

The Minister of State said drivers would not be fined unnecessarily and confirmed a proposal for a new transport-related scheme had been approved. She added that steps were being taken to modernize the sector, including technology-based enforcement measures such as e-challan systems.

Transporters said they had raised their concerns with the government and expressed their willingness to continue dialogue through the newly formed committees.