Public Transport Strike in Karachi from June 18: Bus Owners Demand Relief from Heavy Penalties

Commuters in Karachi may face severe travel difficulties as bus owners have announced an indefinite strike starting June 18, citing heavy traffic fines and increasing penalties imposed on transport operators.

Public transportation in the city will remain suspended on Thursday as part of traffic challan hikes and financial burden protest by Karachi Bus Owners association.

Association President Farooq Ahmed urged all bus operators to stay off the roads from June 18 and said that the strike could be extended if the authorities did not respond to their concerns.

The announcement is likely to impact thousands of commuters who take buses and public transport daily to move around in the city of Karachi. Transporters say the tougher enforcement and higher fines have become increasingly difficult for operators to operate.

Karachi Traffic Police Defend E-Challan System

The strike has been called as Karachi Traffic Police have been defending the e-challan system in the city. Road traffic accidents had reduced by 30 per cent during the first half of this year when compared to the same period last year, Pir Muhammad Shah said at the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI).

Nearly 70 per cent of citizens welcomed the e-challan system that was launched last year, according to the DIG Traffic.

He has said that with better surveillance and action, the compliance rate with traffic laws has improved and has helped in bringing down the number of accidents on roads in Karachi significantly.

More Traffic Cameras Planned Across Karachi

Pir Muhammad Shah also announced that traffic surveillance is being conducted using around 1,300 cameras spread across the city. In the next phase, authorities plan to add another 2,250 cameras to further strengthen traffic management and law enforcement.

The traffic chief pointed out that the traffic flow would not be allowed to be delayed by the blockage caused by the protests on the high-traffic roads, and said it was necessary for the traffic to flow smoothly in the metropolitan city.

The Karachi bus strike is underway and commuters are advised to make alternative travel arrangements ahead of any disruptions in public transport.