A large number of women commuters in Karachi are forced to travel uncomfortably in public transport buses
KARACHI: A large number of women commuters in Karachi are forced to travel uncomfortably in public transport buses. The government seems to be oblivious of the women commuters. Women are continuously subjected to different forms of harassment while travelling in rickety buses.
The rude attitude of bus drivers and conductors make women commuters nervous. Men in public transport do not care about women; smoking cigarettes and bragging proudly about the specific seats of women. Conductors, on the other hand, repeatedly push women against each other, making it unbearable for them. But some women are forced to travel in small buses with small children because they can’t afford any other means of transportation.
There is an increase in the daily fares from the transport owners due to which the conductors harass women while asking for more money. The incident of harassment of women is increasing rapidly and something needs to be done about it.
Women have long been demanding of the Sindh chief minister and the provincial transport minister to ban the entry of men into women compartments in mini buses and coaches, but no such action has been taken.
Special buses for women should be plied during school and office hours as ordinary buses or coaches are not safe for women.
Rana Malhi
Published in The Express Tribune, October 22nd, 2019.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
