The Sindh government has decided to launch a crackdown against public service vehicles operating without digitized route permits and valid fitness certificates.
Sindh Transport Minister Sharjeel Memon said several vehicles were operating without valid fitness certificates and route permits, while some did not even have fire extinguishers.
He said functional fire extinguishers had been made mandatory in public service vehicles, but passengers’ safety remained at risk.
He said the digitized route permits of all public service vehicles would be verified, while manual route permits would be considered invalid and cancelled. Action would be taken against vehicles operating without digitized route permits and fitness certificates.
The transport minister said a comprehensive list of violations would be submitted to the Transport Department every two weeks, while operators found repeatedly violating rules would be blacklisted.
Memon directed motor vehicle inspectors to conduct surprise inspections and take action against violators.
Fines, suspension of route permits and cancellation of licenses would be imposed for violations, he said, adding that public service vehicles would not be allowed on roads without meeting safety requirements.
He also directed the Regional Transport Authority and Motor Vehicle Inspection Wing officials to submit reports on enforcement actions every two weeks.
