Public transport services across Karachi may face major disruption as the Karachi Bus Owners Association has announced an indefinite strike starting June 18. The association says the decision was taken in protest against what it describes as excessive traffic challans and heavy fines being imposed on public transport vehicles by traffic authorities.
According to the association, growing financial pressure from strict traffic enforcement measures has made it increasingly difficult for transport operators to continue their services. Bus owners argue that the volume of challans and penalties has significantly increased in recent months, affecting the viability of their operations.
Speaking on the matter, Farooq Ahmed, President of the Karachi Bus Owners Association, urged all bus owners to keep their vehicles off the roads from June 18 as part of the protest campaign. He stated that the strike would continue until the authorities address the concerns raised by transporters and take steps to meet their demands.
The planned suspension of public transport services is expected to impact thousands of commuters who rely on buses for daily travel across Karachi. Many residents use public transport to commute to workplaces, educational institutions, and business centers, making the strike likely to cause significant inconvenience throughout the city.
The protest comes amid stricter traffic enforcement efforts by Karachi traffic police. Earlier in May, authorities introduced additional measures aimed at reducing traffic violations, particularly wrong-way driving, which officials say has become a major safety concern on the city’s roads.
According to DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah, officers have been equipped with modern devices to issue challans more efficiently, while a Special Traffic Flow Unit is expected to be deployed on key roads to improve discipline. Officials have identified around 36 locations in Karachi where wrong-way driving violations occur most frequently. However, transporters insist that enforcement measures should be balanced and not place an excessive financial burden on public transport operators.
Also read: Islamabad Metro Bus Service Suspended Over Protest Fears
