Punjab Govt Denies Reports of Suspending Heavy Traffic Fines. The Punjab government has clarified that heavy traffic fines have not been suspended, despite earlier claims made by transport groups after ending their wheel-jam strike. Confusion spread on Monday when transporters announced that the government had agreed to pause strict penalties under the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 2025. However, the official government stance tells a different story.
Transporters Call Off Strike After Initial Assurances
Transport owners ended their province-wide wheel-jam strike after negotiating with the Punjab transport minister and the Muttahida Transporters Associations Action Committee.
According to committee member Lala Yasir Naseer, the government assured transporters that:
- Police would stop registering FIRs for minor traffic violations
- Heavy fines under the new Motor Vehicle Ordinance 2025 would not be imposed during a review period
- Joint committees would be formed to review the ordinance and propose changes within 15 days
He added that another round of discussions is scheduled for Tuesday.
Government’s Official Statement Creates Confusion
Shortly after transporters announced the agreement, a contrasting statement from Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb sparked uncertainty.
She posted on X that the reports about suspending heavy fines were “false and baseless.”
She also confirmed:
- Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed authorities to enforce traffic laws strictly
- No relaxation or suspension of the fine-related clause has been announced
- Enforcement will continue without compromise
This statement contradicted the earlier claims made by the action committee.
Mixed Signals Fuel Public Uncertainty
A local journalist posted on X that the enforcement of the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 2025 had been paused. The post suggested that violations such as:
- Signal breaking
- Wrong-way driving
- Overloading
- Riding without helmets or seat belts
might no longer result in fines.
However, Maryam Nawaz directly responded:
“Not true. Law will be enforced.”
This firm response settled the matter and confirmed that the government has not suspended heavy fines.
What Happens Next?
While the government insists that enforcement continues, transporters believe a review period is underway. Joint committees are expected to meet soon and propose amendments within 15 days.
Until then, all traffic laws under the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 2025 remain active, and heavy fines continue as usual.
Conclusion
Punjab’s clarification leaves no room for doubt: heavy traffic fines are still in force. Despite initial announcements by transporters, the government has confirmed full enforcement of traffic laws while discussions on possible amendments continue.
