Public transporters in Karachi began a strike on Thursday in protest against the electronic challan system, causing major disruption for commuters across the city and leaving thousands of passengers struggling to find transport.
As buses and vans remained off the roads, many citizens were forced to rely on rickshaws, with several drivers reportedly charging unusually high fares due to increased demand.
Karachi Transport Ittehad President Tawab Khan said the protest was being held against what transporters described as illegal e-challans and excessive penalties imposed on drivers.
“We are protesting against e-challans, and illegal challans are not acceptable,” he said, adding that transporters would only accept fines issued in accordance with the law.
The transport strike had been announced a day earlier when Karachi transporters warned that all public transport services would remain suspended on Thursday unless their concerns were addressed.
Tawab Khan criticised traffic authorities for attempting to introduce what he described as “Dubai-style traffic management” without improving the city’s roads and passenger facilities. He said heavy fines imposed through the e-challan system were unfair and unacceptable for transport operators already facing difficult conditions.
He further demanded that authorities resolve all issues related to e-challans, warning that the protest movement could be expanded to other cities if no solution was reached.
The suspension of transport services caused long queues at bus stops and created serious difficulties for office workers, students and daily wage earners travelling across Karachi during peak hours.
Reporter: Kawish Memon