Public transporters on Sunday rejected the district administration’s request to withdraw their protest and confirmed a wheel jam strike across Rawalpindi and Islamabad against the newly introduced traffic ordinance that sharply increases heavy traffic fines. The strike is being observed on the call of the Punjab Public Transport Association, with full support from goods transporters.
A high level meeting was held between the transporters and city administration officials including City Traffic Police Chief Farhan Aslam and Regional Transport Authority Secretary Asad Shirazi. Despite repeated appeals from the authorities to avoid disruptions in the twin cities, the transporters remained firm on their decision to shut down transport services.
RTA Secretary Asad Shirazi said the administration attempted to mediate but the demand for complete withdrawal of amendments was beyond their authority. He added that the transporters’ grievances have been forwarded to the Punjab government and negotiations will now take place with the United Transport Association in Lahore.
Chairman of the Muttahida Transport Federation, Raja Mohammad Riaz, said transporters are being crushed under unbearable fines ranging from Rs5,000 to Rs20,000. He said the rising cost of fuel and spare parts has already damaged the sector, and the new penalties are making survival difficult for thousands of families dependent on transport businesses.
Alongside passenger transporters, the Goods Transport Association has also announced full participation in the strike. President Shakeel Qureshi termed the amendments to traffic and customs laws as economic murder of the transport sector and urged the government to consult all stakeholders before enforcing such policies.
Adding political pressure, Jamiat Ulema i Islam F Rawalpindi has announced its support for the strike. The party demanded that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz adopt people friendly policies and immediately reduce what it termed unjust and excessive traffic fines that are burdening common citizens and transport workers alike.
