A widespread transporters’ strike brought intercity travel to a grinding halt on Thursday, leaving countless commuters scrambling for alternatives after a contentious dispute with the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) over control of the General Bus Stand.
Passengers intending to travel to major destinations including Peshawar, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Muzaffarabad were left stranded. Despite warnings from the district administration that route permits could be cancelled, transport unions refused to operate their vehicles, keeping buses and vans parked throughout the day.
The work stoppage was triggered by an anti-encroachment operation on Wednesday. A joint team comprising the district administration, TMO, and police reclaimed 26 kanals of unlawfully occupied land at the bus terminal, which was then handed over to the TMA. The operation saw the removal of illegally constructed offices and shops.
Officials stated the crackdown was essential to restore order, enhance cleanliness, and provide improved facilities for travelers. Authorities also reported dismantling a “slip mafia,” asserting that only fixed government fees would be charged going forward and that any overcharging would be met with strict penalties.
However, the Ada Union and vehicle operators have staunchly rejected TMA’s authority over the stand. They argue that the municipal takeover would render many hawkers and clerks unemployed and accused the TMA of imposing “extortion” through repeated fee increases in the last six months.
The transport unions have issued an ultimatum, threatening to expand the protest across the entire Hazara division if their demands are not addressed by the administration.