Sindh govt decides to launch crackdown against public service vehicles, manual route permits to be considered cancelled

KARACHI, Aug 21 (APP): The Sindh government has decided to launch a comprehensive enforcement campaign and crackdown against public service vehicles across the province and has directed the provincial and regional transport authorities, all District Regional Transport Authorities (DRTAs), and the Motor Vehicle Inspection Wing to immediately initiate strict checking and enforcement drives.

The officers have also been directed to submit a detailed report to the Transport Department every two weeks, containing details of the action taken and recommendations for further improvement.

Sindh Senior Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon has said that strict action will be taken against public service vehicles operating without digitized route permits, valid fitness certificates, and mandatory fire extinguishers.

He said that several public service vehicles are still operating without digitized route permits and valid fitness certificates, while some vehicles do not even have fire extinguishers.

Such violations pose a serious threat to passenger safety.

Sharjeel Inam Memon said that the digitized route permits of all public service vehicles will be fully verified, while manual route permits will be considered ineffective and cancelled.

He directed that a comprehensive list of violating vehicles and operators be prepared and that a report be submitted to the Transport Department every two weeks.

He further said that vehicles operating without valid fitness certificates should be immediately seized, while the names of operators who repeatedly violate the rules should be recommended for blacklisting.

He said that the presence of a functioning fire extinguisher, in accordance with the prescribed safety standards, is mandatory in all public service vehicles.

Motor vehicle inspectors have been directed to conduct surprise inspections and take immediate action in case of any violation.

Sharjeel Inam Memon clarified that legal action will be taken against violators, including fines, suspension of route permits, and cancellation of licenses, if necessary. He said that no public service vehicle can be allowed to operate on the roads without meeting the mandatory safety requirements, as the protection of the lives and property of passengers is the government’s top priority.