Karachi to Ban Rickshaws Without Meters After Two-Month Deadline: DIG Traffic
Saba Noor
Karachi Traffic Police has decided to ban rickshaws operating without fare meters. DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah says rickshaw owners will be given a two-month deadline to install meters. He also said fatalities involving heavy traffic have dropped by 45 percent compared to last year, while more than 6,500 government vehicles have been fined for traffic violations.
Speaking to the media at the , DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah announced that rickshaws without fare meters will no longer be allowed to operate in Karachi.
He said rickshaw owners will be given two months to install meters, after which passengers will pay only the fare displayed on the meter, eliminating fare bargaining.
Pir Muhammad Shah, DIG Traffic:
"Once rickshaws are equipped with meters, we will be able to improve lane management. Rickshaws will no longer be able to stop anywhere they choose. Passengers will pay only the fare shown on the meter. Only metered rickshaws will be allowed to operate. Rickshaw owners will be given a deadline to install the meters."
DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah said nearly one million people lose their lives in road accidents worldwide every year. He added that heavy traffic-related fatalities in Karachi have declined by 45 percent compared to the same period last year.
He further revealed that traffic police have issued challans to more than 6,500 government vehicles, including 640 police vehicles, stressing that no institution has been granted any exemption from traffic laws.
Pir Muhammad Shah, DIG Traffic:
"By this time last year, 164 people had lost their lives in heavy traffic accidents. This year, the number has dropped to 70. We have issued 640 challans to police vehicles, and government vehicles from all departments have also been fined. No one is above the law."
The DIG said strict enforcement of traffic challans and lane discipline has led to a noticeable improvement in road safety. He added that 40 billboards have been installed across Karachi to promote lane discipline, while awareness campaigns are also continuing through other communication channels.
