Transporters have announced that the wheel-jam strike in Karachi will continue on Saturday, as negotiations with government representatives failed to produce any breakthrough.
The Karachi Transport Ittehad confirmed that the shutdown, which has already entered its second day, will be extended, keeping public transport off the roads across the city.
The association’s president expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to citizens but urged the public to support their demands, saying that commuters should also raise their voice for what they termed “legitimate concerns.”
He added that the responsibility for public hardship lay with the government, accusing authorities of creating difficulties for citizens through regulatory measures.
On Thursday, public transport largely remained absent from Karachi’s roads as operators continued their protest against electronic traffic challans, heavy fines and other enforcement actions.
The strike severely disrupted daily life, with thousands of commuters facing difficulties reaching workplaces, educational institutions and other destinations. Bus stops across the city saw long queues, while many people were forced to rely on ride-hailing services or private transport.
Major arteries, including Sharea Faisal, M.A. Jinnah Road, University Road, Korangi Road, Rashid Minhas Road, Shahrah-e-Pakistan and I.I. Chundrigar Road, witnessed a significant drop in buses and minibuses. However, government-run People’s Bus Service and the BRT Green Line continued operations, along with rickshaws, Qingqis and ride-hailing services.
Transporters say nearly 8,000 buses, minibuses and coaches remain off the roads in Karachi due to the ongoing strike.
