Parts of Lahore witnessed severe traffic congestion after sanitation workers employed under the Suthra Punjab programme staged large-scale protests, demanding the immediate release of unpaid salaries, pending bonuses, and other promised employment benefits. The demonstrations disrupted traffic across several major roads, leaving thousands of commuters stranded during peak hours.
The protesters gathered at key intersections and busy roadways across the provincial capital, blocking the movement of vehicles and causing hours-long traffic jams. Buses, private cars, motorcycles, and rickshaws were caught in long queues as commuters struggled to reach their destinations. The widespread road closures affected normal life in various parts of the city.
Protest leaders said the workers had repeatedly approached the authorities regarding delayed salaries and other outstanding dues but claimed that official assurances had not resulted in any concrete action. They maintained that the demonstrations were launched only after their repeated demands went unanswered and vowed to continue the protest until their grievances were addressed.
The workers are demanding the immediate payment of outstanding salaries, pending bonuses, and the fulfillment of other commitments related to their service conditions. According to protest representatives, sanitation employees have continued performing their duties despite delays in payments, but the prolonged financial hardship has forced them to take to the streets.
Traffic wardens were deployed to manage the growing congestion and divert vehicles to alternative routes. However, the road blockades created significant disruption across Lahore, with frustrated motorists urging the provincial government to resolve the issue quickly and restore normal traffic flow. Long queues of vehicles remained visible at several major intersections throughout the protest.
Meanwhile, city administration officials reportedly initiated negotiations with representatives of the protesting workers in an effort to reopen blocked roads and ease the traffic situation. However, no agreement had been reached at the time of reporting, as the protesters insisted they would continue their sit-in until unpaid salaries, bonuses, and other promised benefits were released.
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