KARACHI: The Sindh government has ordered a province-wide crackdown on public service vehicles operating without valid route permits, fitness certificates and mandatory fire-safety equipment, with authorities directed to launch immediate enforcement drives.
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon directed provincial and regional transport authorities, District Regional Transport Authorities and the Motor Vehicle Inspection Wing to conduct strict inspections and take action against violators.
Memon said vehicles operating without digitised route permits or valid fitness certificates would not be allowed to remain on the roads, warning that such violations posed a serious risk to passengers. He ordered authorities to verify the route permits of all public service vehicles, declaring manual permits ineffective and directing officials to cancel them. Vehicles found operating without valid fitness certificates are to be immediately impounded, while repeat offenders will be recommended for blacklisting, he said.
Memon also ordered surprise inspections to ensure that every public service vehicle carries a properly functioning fire extinguisher meeting prescribed safety standards. “Protection of the lives and property of passengers is the government’s top priority. No vehicle should be permitted to operate without meeting mandatory safety requirements.”
Violators will face legal action, including fines, suspension of route permits and cancellation of licences where necessary, directing the authorities to compile comprehensive lists of non-compliant vehicles and operators and submit fortnightly reports to the Transport Department detailing enforcement action and recommendations for further improvement.
The campaign is aimed at tightening regulatory oversight of public transport and ensuring that vehicles carrying passengers meet basic safety and operational standards in Sindh.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026