Karachi: With Eid-ul-Fitr approaching, the exodus of travelers from Karachi to their hometowns has reached its peak. However, transport operators have seized the opportunity to impose exorbitant fare hikes, leaving passengers frustrated and helpless.
Major bus terminals and railway stations across Karachi are witnessing overcrowding, with passengers struggling to secure tickets. As Eid nears, transporters have started exploiting the demand, making travel even more challenging.
To artificially create a shortage of transport, buses are being parked outside terminals instead of designated stations, forcing passengers to pay inflated fares.
Passengers report that fares for routes previously costing Rs. 1,500 have now surged to Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 3,000. Many travelers, unable to find seats, are being forced to sit on bus rooftops, a highly dangerous practice that could lead to fatal accidents.
Frustrated travelers lament that this fare crisis occurs every Eid, yet government authorities fail to take decisive action against profiteering transporters.
Passengers across Karachi and other cities have urged the Sindh Chief Minister, Transport Minister, and concerned authorities to intervene immediately and regulate fares to prevent further exploitation.
On the other hand, transport operators deny any wrongdoing, claiming they are charging fares in line with government-approved rates. They argue that due to rising diesel prices and increased operational costs, a slight fare increase was necessary to keep services running.
