KARACHI: The Government of Sindh has officially ordered a province-wide crackdown on public service vehicles operating without valid route permits and fitness certificates.
The Official Mandate
In a formal statement, Sharjeel Inam Memon, the Provincial Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit, confirmed that a memorandum has been issued to all Deputy Commissioners and Chairmen of the District Regional Transport Authorities (DRTA) to take immediate action. The Minister highlighted that a significant number of public vehicles are currently operating with expired documentation, posing safety risks and legal violations.
Key Enforcement Directives
The provincial leadership has directed that all vehicles must strictly adhere to the Motor Vehicles Ordinance 1965 and Motor Vehicles Rules 1969. Authorities are instructed to launch a specialized checking campaign to impound or fine vehicles lacking valid documents. Furthermore, all public service vehicles are now strictly required to prominently display their official fare lists for passengers to ensure transparency.
Transition to Digital Systems
Minister Memon emphasized that the government has already modernized the process to facilitate transporters. The issuance of fitness certificates is now fully digital, while both inter-district and urban route permits are being transitioned to an automated system. The government plans to phase out manual route permits entirely in the near future to streamline the process.
A Warning on Fares and Subsidies
The Senior Minister reminded transporters that while the government continues to provide subsidies, they must strictly adhere to the fare rates implemented before February 27. Overcharging passengers will not be tolerated, and the authorities have been tasked to ensure that the relief provided by the government reaches the public.
