Karachi, Pakistan – Web Desk: A citywide transport strike in Karachi entered its third consecutive day on Saturday, leaving millions of citizens struggling to commute as the Sindh government has yet to initiate talks with protesting transporters .
The strike, called by the Karachi Transport Ittehad (Alliance), is being held against the enforcement of e-challans and heavy fines imposed on public transport vehicles. Despite the ongoing disruption, provincial authorities have not taken any steps to resolve the impasse .
Citizens Face Severe Hardship
With public buses, minibuses, and wagons off the roads, working-class citizens are being forced to walk long distances to reach their workplaces . Patients traveling to major hospitals, including Jinnah Hospital and Civil Hospital, have also been severely affected by the strike .
The suspension of public transport has placed immense pressure on ride-hailing services, leading to a sharp increase in fares for online services, including rickshaws and app-based cabs . Private vehicle owners have reported a surge in demand and are charging higher fares, further burdening commuters .
Demands of Transporters
The transport alliance is demanding a review of the e-challan system and the reduction of heavy fines, which they argue have made operations unsustainable for transport owners and drivers . The alliance has previously warned of an “indefinite strike” if the government fails to address their concerns .
