According to a special report by Pakistan Matters correspondent Fahad Ali Khan, the PTI had announced a nationwide shutdown and wheel-jam strike in protest against what it described as the “unlawful detention” of Imran Khan and the alleged rigging of the 2024 general elections. However, ground realities presented a completely different picture.
Speaking about the situation in Lahore, Fahad Ali Khan reported that traffic on one of the city’s busiest arteries, Jail Road, flowed smoothly as usual. Similarly, no unusual disruption was observed on Canal Road, Ferozepur Road, Multan Road, or other major thoroughfares, where vehicular movement remained normal.
He added that commercial activity continued as usual in major markets, including Ichhra Market, Anarkali Bazaar, and Liberty Market. Shopkeepers stated that there was no forced shutdown and that people had independently decided not to participate in the strike.
Fahad Ali Khan noted that car showrooms along Jail Road were closed due to it being Sunday, which is part of the regular weekly routine. Likewise, the situation in Abid Market, located behind the showrooms, was typical of an ordinary Sunday, with some shops open and others closed.
He further pointed out that Lahore is currently witnessing the celebration of the Basant festival after a gap of 25 years, due to which citizens were seen actively engaged in recreational and festive activities.
Residents told Pakistan Matters that they preferred enjoying the festivities rather than becoming part of any political protest or shutdown strike.
All entry and exit points of Lahore also remained fully open for traffic. Citizens were able to travel out of the city and enter Lahore from other areas without any hindrance.
Elsewhere in the country, no significant impact of the wheel jam or shutdown strike was observed. People continued to travel normally, and markets that usually remain open on Sundays stayed open, while those that are customarily closed on Sundays remained closed as per routine.
According to a report by Azad Digital correspondent Wasim Hashmi, the PTI’s shutdown call was also completely rejected in Rawalpindi. Shops and business centres, including Raja Bazaar, remained open, and traffic flowed smoothly throughout the city. Citizens prioritized their daily routines and did not participate in any protest.
Overall, the public response made it clear that PTI’s call for a shutdown and wheel-jam strike failed to gain traction in Punjab, while normal life across the country continued uninterrupted.
