No Protest, No Sit-In! Over 50 Vehicles Impounded in Islamabad
More than 50 Shahzore trucks and Suzuki pickups are reportedly being held at the Faizabad Traffic Office, with drivers alleging their identity cards were retained and no clear release timeline was provided, raising concerns over livelihoods and the justification for the operation.
ISLAMABAD: An unusual operation reportedly involving the Islamabad Traffic Police has raised serious concerns among commercial vehicle owners and daily-wage drivers, with more than 50 Shahzore trucks and Suzuki pickups allegedly being held at the Traffic Police Headquarters in Faizabad without a clearly communicated release schedule.
According to preliminary information received by Islamabad Tribune, the operation has primarily affected drivers of small commercial vehicles used for transporting goods, household items and other materials across the federal capital.
More Than 50 Vehicles Reportedly Held
More than 50 Shahzore trucks and Suzuki pickups have reportedly been brought to the Faizabad Traffic Office following instructions allegedly issued by senior traffic police authorities.
The vehicles are said to be standing empty inside the traffic police premises, while drivers have reportedly been sent home without being informed when they can recover their vehicles.
The accounts also allege that the national identity cards of some drivers have been retained by traffic police personnel, adding to their concerns about the handling of the operation.
The reported number of vehicles, the retention of identity cards and the precise instructions behind the action have not yet been independently confirmed through official records.
Drivers Left Without Answers
Drivers affected by the reported operation have questioned the justification for holding their vehicles and the absence of a clear procedure for securing their release.
According to the information received, when drivers asked traffic police personnel when their vehicles would be returned, they were reportedly told that they would be contacted if required.
The response has left vehicle operators uncertain about how long they will remain without access to their means of earning a living.
For drivers who depend on daily transport assignments, every additional day without a vehicle can mean lost income and mounting household expenses.
Daily-Wage Workers Face Financial Pressure
The reported operation has particularly affected individuals who rely on Shahzore trucks and Suzuki pickups for their livelihoods.
These vehicles are commonly used for small-scale freight transportation, furniture deliveries, construction supplies, shop deliveries and household relocations.
Many drivers earn their living through daily assignments rather than fixed monthly salaries. When their vehicles remain unavailable, their ability to earn is immediately affected.
The resulting financial pressure can extend beyond drivers to vehicle owners and families who depend on income generated through commercial transport.
Drivers Question Purpose of Operation
The reported action has also raised questions because, according to the affected drivers’ accounts, their vehicles were not participating in any demonstration or sit-in when they were taken into police custody.
Drivers have questioned why empty commercial vehicles were being held and whether the action was part of a traffic enforcement campaign, an administrative arrangement or another official requirement.
There are also unverified reports that additional Shahzore trucks and Suzuki pickups may be brought to the Faizabad Traffic Office under further instructions.
These reports have created concern among other commercial vehicle owners who fear that their vehicles could also be affected.
What Does the Law Say?
Under Section 115 of the Provincial Motor Vehicles Ordinance, 1965, authorised officials may detain vehicles in specified circumstances, including certain registration and transport-permit violations.
However, whether those provisions or another legal authority were invoked in the reported Faizabad operation remains unclear.
The alleged retention of drivers’ national identity cards also raises questions about the specific legal authority, documentation and procedures followed.
The fact that a vehicle was empty at the time it was stopped does not, on its own, establish whether an applicable traffic or permit requirement was satisfied.
Police Position Remains Unclear
Islamabad’s Chief Traffic Officer, Kainat Azhar Khan, has previously emphasised impartial implementation of traffic laws, responsible public dealing and improved facilities for citizens.
However, publicly available official information reviewed for this report did not establish the reason for the specific pickup operation described by the drivers.
No independently verified police order, official vehicle count or release schedule concerning these particular vehicles was available at the time of preparation.
The Islamabad Traffic Police and CTO’s office are therefore being asked to clarify whether such an operation was authorised, what legal provisions apply, why drivers’ identity documents were reportedly retained, and when the affected vehicles may be released.
The episode highlights a wider concern about balancing legitimate traffic management and public safety requirements with the livelihoods of citizens who depend on commercial transport.
Islamabad Tribune will incorporate any official clarification or response received from the relevant authorities.
