Sindh govt rejects Karachi transporters' demands as strike continued citywide

Despite the ongoing protest, the Sindh government has reiterated its support for traffic enforcement measures and signalled that it has no intention of reversing its position on the matter.

On sunday, the Sindh government has rejected the ongoing strike by public transport operators in Karachi, which entered its fifth consecutive day on Sunday, as tensions continue over the implementation of the electronic challan system.

The prolonged suspension of transport services has caused significant difficulties for thousands of commuters across the city. However, authorities have made it clear that they will not bow to pressure from transport operators protesting against traffic penalties issued through the e-challan system.

Jameel Soomro, a Member of the Sindh Assembly and Political Secretary to Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, criticised the transporters' actions and accused them of attempting to blackmail the government.

Speaking on the issue, Soomro said the government would not succumb to any form of pressure. He argued that some transport operators routinely place passengers on vehicle rooftops and then object when traffic authorities issue challans for safety violations.

He maintained that the provincial government stands with the public and is committed to enforcing laws designed to protect passengers. According to Soomro, the interests of ordinary citizens must take precedence over the demands of transport operators.

The dispute centres on the e-challan system, which transporters claim has resulted in unfair penalties. The strike has disrupted daily travel across Karachi, leaving many residents struggling to reach workplaces, educational institutions and other destinations.

Public transporters stood firm in support of their demands and strike against e-challans and heavy fines, entering the 5th day in Karachi on Sunday. Buses, minibuses and coaches are completely off the roads, which is causing problems for the citizens. 

Earlier today, the channel reported that transporters alliance president Tawab Khan said negotiations with the government failed and the strike will continue till demands are accepted.

Transporters started strike 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