Public transporters in Karachi have entered the fifth day of their strike against e-challans and heavy fines, keeping buses, minibuses, and coaches completely off the roads, causing significant problems for citizens. The strike, which began in protest against the electronic challan system, has led to major disruption for commuters across the city, leaving thousands of passengers struggling to find alternative transport.
Negotiations Fail, Strike Continues
Transporters Alliance President Tawab Khan confirmed that negotiations with the government have failed and the strike will continue until their demands are accepted. “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.
Khan criticized 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.
Impact on Commuters
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. The suspension of transport services caused long queues at bus stops and created serious difficulties for office workers, students, and daily wage earners traveling across Karachi during peak hours.
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. Khan 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.
