Public services across Punjab faced disruptions on Thursday as more than 300,000 state government employees went on a statewide strike, dubbed a 'maha hartal', over unpaid allowances and pension reform demands. The strike halted regular operations at government secretariats, district headquarters, public schools, and outpatient departments at state-run hospitals. Transport and revenue offices were also affected, with government drivers joining the mass casual leave.

Sukhchain Singh Khaira, coordinator of the Joint Action Committee, said the action was a statewide strike, not a bandh, and that emergency medical services and private businesses would not be affected, nor would attempts be made to block anything. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was scheduled to hold talks with union leaders in Jalandhar over the demands, which include dearness allowance (DA) and the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).