Public transport returns to the roads as transporters end a four-day strike over traffic jams after talks with authorities
KARACHI:
For four days, the roads of Karachi echoed with absence. Office workers scrambled for expensive alternatives, students struggled to get to universities, and bus stops were packed with stranded travelers. However, the city finally received some relief when the transport strike that had disrupted the daily lives of thousands of people came to an end following successful negotiations between transporters and the city administration.
The Karachi Transport Ittehad formally called off its four-day strike over wheel 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 the Karachi commissioner to discuss a number of issues, including vehicle insurance requirements, biometric regulations and what transporters described as excessive fines and coercive 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.
After 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, speaking to the media, Haji Tawab Khan formally announced the withdrawal of the protest and thanked both public transport and freight transport operators for supporting the movement.
He said some long-standing concerns had been resolved immediately, while authorities had asked for additional time to address issues that fell 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 rely on buses, minibuses and coaches for their daily commute. “We regret the inconvenience caused to the public, but heavy sanctions and other operational challenges left us no choice but to protest.”
The four-day strike had significantly disrupted mobility in Karachi, particularly affecting low- and middle-income commuters who rely on public transport to travel to their workplaces, educational institutions and markets.
With the standoff resolved, transport operators and city officials expressed hope that continued dialogue would help prevent future disruptions and ensure smoother operations for Karachi’s already strained public transport system.
The meeting was attended by Transport Secretary, Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Secretary, DIG Traffic, Director of Excise and Deputy Commissioner of Keamari, among other officials.
