Marriyum Aurangzeb met transporters’ representatives as Punjab CM forms committee to resolve issues
Punjab’s freight transporters announced the end of their five-day strike on Friday after successful negotiations with the provincial government, agreeing to resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue.
The strike, which began on December 8, was initiated in protest against the Punjab Traffic Ordinance 2025, alleged bribery by the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), unwarranted challenges, court cases and seizure of vehicles by the traffic and highway police. The shutdown severely disrupted the province’s supply chain, affecting the availability of goods in the markets.
The transporters’ representatives met with Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, who chaired the talks following directives from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The discussions concluded with a reconciliation agreement signed by Haji Sher Ali Chaudhry, Central President of Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance, along with other officials.
A committee, headed by Marriyum and with representatives from the transport sector, has been formed to address the transporters’ concerns. Its first meeting is scheduled for Saturday, where further discussions between the minister and carriers will continue.
Welcoming the decision, Aurangzeb said all issues would be resolved through “mutual understanding”, stressing that the government’s aim was to protect human life and improve conditions for all citizens.
Haji Sher Ali Chaudhry expressed hope that the newly formed committee, set up under the CM’s orders, would effectively address the problems of transporters. “Promises made to transporters have not been fulfilled so far, but we hope the committee will help solve our problems,” he said.
Other carriers present were Muhammad Riaz Khan Tajik, Chaudhry Maqbool Hussain, Rana Tariq Mushtaq, Malik Ijaz, Malik Maroof, Saif Shah Deen Gujar, Faisal Basheer Bhatti, Malik Javed and Haji Pervez Awan.
Business warns of a crisis in the supply chain
Earlier Friday, business groups expressed concern about the economic impact of the strike. Sheikh Umair Saeed, chairman of the Multan Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (MCSTSI), urged the Punjab government to take immediate action to restore the province’s supply chain.
He warned that small and medium traders, shopkeepers and factory owners were suffering losses due to acute shortage of stock, with several industrial units remaining closed for three days, affecting production and employment.
Similarly, the All Pakistan Bedsheets & Upholstery Manufacturers Association (APBUMA) called for urgent action by the government. In a joint statement, Chairman Imran Mehmood Sheikh, Senior Vice Chairman Syed Muhammad Ahsan Shah and Principal Patron Syed Muhammad Asim Shah noted that hundreds of vehicles carrying export consignments and raw materials were stranded.
They warned that factories were unable to continue production while demurrage and detention charges increased, increasing the risk of canceled export orders. “Disruption to the supply chain is very damaging and if immediate remedial steps are not taken, the losses could become unbearable,” the statement said.
Adding that the situation threatened the textile sector, the national economy and foreign exchange earnings, APBUMA urged the Chief Minister to ensure uninterrupted movement of raw materials and finished goods to sustain industrial activity and meet export obligations. They expressed optimism that the government would recognize the gravity of the crisis and act quickly to restore export container movement.
