“All of Pakistan to shut down”: Transporters announce strike on Dec 19
Pakistan’s major transport bodies have announced a nationwide strike set for Friday, December 19, warning that the country will come to a complete standstill if the government fails to address their demands. Leaders of the transport federation, including vice presidents and spokespersons Asif Khan, Lala Suhail, and Tariq Khan, said that the authorities had not honoured any of their previous commitments despite repeated discussions. After consultations with all sectors, the federation decided to proceed with a full wheel-jam strike. “On December 19, Pakistan will shut—completely shut,” they said, stressing that the shutdown would be observed across all major cities and districts.
According to the announcement, all buses, wagons, and intra-city transport services will remain off the roads. Markets, petrol pumps, private offices, government departments, banks, and supply chains are also expected to remain closed as part of the coordinated protest. Transporters warn that the shutdown will continue until new regulations related to traffic rules and challan procedures are introduced. They argue that the existing system involves excessive fines, unnecessary challans, vehicle impoundments, and what they describe as ongoing harassment by authorities.
The All Pakistan Transport Federation, together with the Inter-City Transport Union, Inter-District Transport Union, Goods Transport, and unions responsible for student and government employee pickup-and-drop services, reaffirmed that the strike will be nationwide. They say the action is a response to the mounting pressure on drivers and transport owners, who claim they are unable to operate under the current financial and administrative burden.
The announcement has raised concerns about severe disruption to daily life, including transportation of workers, students, and goods across the country. With petrol pumps and markets also planning to join the shutdown, logistical and economic challenges are expected, especially if the strike extends beyond December 19. Government response remains limited so far, but officials are expected to initiate negotiations in the coming days to prevent a nationwide closure.
