Public transport returns to roads as hauliers end four-day strike over traffic jams after talks with authorities
KARACHI:
For four days, the roads of Karachi resonated with absence. Office workers scrambled to find expensive alternatives, students struggled to reach universities, and bus stops were filled with stranded commuters. However, the city finally received some relief as the transportation strike that had disrupted the daily lives of thousands ended after successful negotiations between transporters and the city administration.
The Karachi Transport Ittehad officially called off its four-day strike against traffic jams after what leaders described as productive talks with the Karachi Commissioner on Sunday. Public transport vehicles, including buses, minibuses and coaches, are expected to return to the roads and resume normal operations from today (Monday).
A delegation from the transport alliance, led by President Haji Tawab Khan and Secretary General Muhammad Ilyas, met with the Karachi commissioner to discuss a range of issues, including car insurance requirements, biometric regulations and what transporters described as excessive fines and enforcement measures. According to transportation leaders, several demands were addressed during the meeting, while issues requiring policy decisions by the provincial government were deferred for further discussion.
Following the negotiations, member organizations of Karachi Transport Ittehad held a consultative session at the alliance office on Akbar Road, where they unanimously decided to end the strike.
Later addressing the media, Haji Tawab Khan officially announced the withdrawal of the protest and thanked public transport and freight operators for their support to the movement.
He said some long-standing concerns were addressed immediately, while authorities requested additional time to address matters falling within the jurisdiction of the Sindh government.
Tawab Khan also apologized to commuters affected by the strike, acknowledging the difficulties faced by thousands of citizens who depend on buses, minibuses and coaches for their daily commute. “We regret the inconvenience caused to the public, but heavy sanctions and other operational difficulties leave us with no choice but to protest.”
The four-day strike has significantly disrupted mobility in Karachi, particularly affecting low- and middle-income commuters who rely on public transport to reach workplaces, educational institutions and markets.
With the impasse now resolved, transportation operators and city officials expressed hope that continued dialogue would help prevent future disruptions and ensure smoother operation of the already strained public transportation system.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Transport, Secretary Regional Transport Authority (RTA), DIG Traffic, Director Excise and Deputy Commissioner Keamari among other officials.
