LAHORE: Private ambulance operators and drivers across Punjab have launched a protest against heavy fines, which they describe as unfair actions by authorities.
As pe details, owners and drivers said that they stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Pakistan Armed Forces, Punjab Police, and other institutions during every crisis. They provide services without discrimination in emergencies, accidents, or disasters.
Despite their role in public service, protesters claim they are now facing crushing fines that severely impact their livelihoods. “We struggle to earn even two meals a day, but no one is addressing our plight,” they said.
The protest led to a strike in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, causing significant difficulties for citizens who rely on these services for medical emergencies.
Demonstrators have urged the Punjab government to immediately address the issues facing private ambulance services and review the fine decisions to ensure uninterrupted public service.
Punjab Heavy New Fines on Traffic Violations
The Punjab government earlier dramatically tightened traffic laws, with fines for common violations such as signal jumping and wrong-way driving increased by up to 900% and new punishments, including possible jail time for one-way breaches.
According to the new 12th Schedule, almost every category of road user will pay more for breaking the traffic rules:
Big jumps in fines
- Over-speeding now costs:
- Motorcycle: Rs 2,000
- 3-wheeler: Rs 3,000
- Car/jeep: Rs 5,000
- Commercial vehicles: Rs 10,000
- Public service vehicles (buses, wagons etc.): Rs 15,000
- Fines up to Rs 5,000 for private vehicles and Rs 15,000–20,000 for commercial and public service vehicles for these violations:
- Wrong-way / one-way driving
- Signal violation
- Using a mobile phone while driving
- Driving without a licence .
- Hit-and-run is among the harshest:
- Motorcycle: Rs 20,000
- Car/jeep: Rs 50,000
- Commercial: Rs 100,000
- Public service: Rs 150,000
- Driving an unregistered or unfit vehicle:
- These traffic violations can now cost up to Rs 50,000 for private users and Rs 100,000–150,000 for commercial and public transport.
