Transporters in Rawalpindi have escalated protests against the amended Transport Ordinance and the imposition of hefty fines, threatening a city-wide strike next week.
The Goods Transport Association Rawalpindi announced full support for the strike called by the Pakistan United Transporters Action Committee on December 8. Shakil Qureshi, president of the association, said all transport hubs in the city will remain completely closed on the strike day.
Qureshi criticized the Punjab Assembly’s new traffic regulations and fine structures, calling them “unjust” and an unnecessary burden on transporters. He described recent amendments to customs laws as akin to “economic murder of transporters” and demanded that the government revoke the rules immediately.
He urged the authorities to consult with transporter representatives before implementing any new laws, warning that transport services will remain suspended until demands are met.
The protest reflects growing tensions between transport operators and the provincial government over regulatory changes affecting the sector.
