ISLAMABAD: Taxi drivers are facing severe financial hardships due to transport closure in Islamabad amid the COVID-19 lockdown.
In an exclusive interview with MM News, the drivers said that due to the first, second and third wave of coronavirus they are experiencing numerous barriers to access essential goods, like food, and medical care.
They said that drivers are still facing severe COVID-related challenges while they are on the road doing their jobs. The taxi driver said, “We leave home early in the morning to work, wait all day and go home empty-handed.”
They said that if the government did not include them in the relief package then the drivers would be unable to support the lockdown any longer. Drivers said they had received electricity and gas bills, but they were unable to pay them due to financial constraints.
They demanded the government to collect data of the drivers and provide them financial support under the relief package.
The taxi drivers also warned that in case the lockdown was extended they would be unable to afford daily domestic expenses and compelled to commit suicide with their families.
