KARACHI: The deadlock between the Karachi Transport Ittehad (KTI) and the Sindh government continued on Friday, as the wheel-jam strike entered its third consecutive day with no breakthrough in sight. Commuters across the metropolis continued to face severe hardship as buses, minibuses, and coaches largely remained off the roads. At various bus stops, passengers were seen waiting for hours, while many were forced to rely on alternative and often costly transport to reach offices, factories, and business centres.
Talks Remain Inconclusive
According to transport representatives, talks with the provincial government on their four-point charter of demands remained inconclusive for a second day, leaving the situation unchanged. KTI Vice President Muhammad Ilyas said the strike would continue on Saturday as well. He mentioned that a meeting between a delegation of transporters and the DIG Traffic was expected on Saturday, adding that the outcome of the talks could determine the next course of action.
Future Course of Action
Ilyas further stated that a meeting of transport organisations' representatives would be convened afterwards to decide whether to call off the strike or extend it indefinitely, particularly in view of concerns over e-challan enforcement and other related issues. The indefinite extension of the strike remains a possibility if their demands are not addressed.
Impact on Commuters
The ongoing strike has severely affected daily life in Karachi, with thousands of commuters struggling to find affordable transportation. Many have resorted to sharing rides or using expensive private vehicles, adding to the financial burden. The situation is expected to remain tense until a resolution is reached between the KTI and the government.
