LAHORE – The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday took a significant step in the ongoing public debate over Punjab’s new Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, issuing notices to the provincial government and relevant authorities after a citizen moved the court against what he termed unfair and excessively punitive traffic regulations.
The petition, filed by Munir Ahmed, argues that the amended traffic law was introduced without adequate public consultation and has placed an undue burden on citizens already grappling with rising inflation and economic pressure. According to the petitioner’s counsel, Advocate Azhar Siddique, the government should focus on public awareness, education and warnings before resorting to heavy fines and FIRs — especially in minor traffic violations.
He insisted that turning routine traffic missteps into high-cost penalties and criminal charges is a harsh measure that risks further straining public–state relations at a time when people are struggling to manage basic expenses.
The court, after hearing the initial arguments, issued notices to the Punjab government and other departments, directing them to submit their detailed responses within two weeks. No stay has been granted so far, meaning the amended ordinance will continue to be enforced until the court announces further orders.
Meanwhile, the public unrest surrounding the new law continues to grow. Just days earlier, transporters across Punjab launched a large-scale “wheel-jam” strike against the ordinance, paralysing public transport networks and disrupting supply chains. The protest underscored deep frustration among drivers and transport companies who argue that the law is overly strict and financially punishing.
Supporters of the ordinance, however, maintain that firm measures are necessary to curb unsafe driving, underage motorcycling, and rampant violation of traffic rules. They claim that without such enforcement, the province cannot reduce accidents or ensure road discipline.
With the matter now under judicial consideration and the public sentiment sharply divided, all eyes are on the Lahore High Court’s next steps — which may determine whether the government will be compelled to revisit the ordinance or push ahead with the controversial reforms.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.