LAHORE, Feb 12: Public transport services on inter-city routes in Punjab were suspended on Tuesday when transporters started a strike to protest against the manifold increase in fine rates for traffic violations.

People found it impossible to travel on inter-city routes owing to the strike. Most of them learnt about the strike on reaching bus stands and had to return to their homes finding the bus service suspended.

Pakistan Motor Transport Vice-President Naseer

Butt said the transporters had decided to observe a strike for two days, but would continue it in case the government refused to accept their demand for restoring the old fine rates.

He said the strike would continue on Wednesday (today) as the government did not bother to talk to the transporters on Tuesday.

The strike was being observed only in Punjab because the fine rates had not been enhanced in other provinces.