Wheel-Jam Strike Brings Punjab Development Work to a Standstill

Development work across Lahore and several other cities in Punjab has virtually stopped as an ongoing wheel-jam strike by goods transporters continues to block the supply of construction materials, triggering delays in public projects and losses for private builders.

Officials confirmed that deliveries of cement, crushed stone, bricks and related material from major supply hubs, including Sargodha, have remained suspended for over a week. As a result, public and private sector projects in Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Multan, Sahiwal and Bahawalpur have been severely affected.

An official from the Lahore Development Authority said all projects dependent on raw material supply have been halted, leaving works incomplete and worsening dust pollution, smog and environmental conditions in urban areas.

Construction delays have also been reported under the Lahore Development Plan, where concrete and structural work cannot proceed without materials. Private builders said brickwork, plastering, lintel casting and tiling activities have slowed or stopped entirely, forcing even individual homeowners to suspend construction.

Industry representatives warned that prolonged disruption is leading to layoffs and daily wage losses across the construction sector.

Transporters have refused to call off the strike, demanding the suspension of disputed clauses in the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 2025, withdrawal of FIRs against drivers, an end to heavy fines and the release of impounded vehicles.

Punjab Stone Transporters Association leader Khalid Arain said the strike would continue until the government gives clear assurances, adding that thousands of workers remain jobless due to the deadlock.