Intercity public transport: SHC directs transport secretary to ensure implementation of govt-notified fares

Bench issues notices to provincial transport secretary, advocate-general and others to file comments by Feb 15

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed the provincial transport secretary and others to ensure that all intercity public transport charge a fare as per the rates fixed by the government after reduction in the prices of petroleum products.

"In case of any violation, an appropriate action shall be taken against the delinquent transporters strictly in accordance with the law," warned a two-judge bench, headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi.

The bench was hearing a petition filed by a lawyer against hike in the fares of intercity public transport and seeking enforcement of the rate notified by the Sindh government. The matter was heard on Tuesday.



The petitioner, Wajid Ali Khaskheli, had named the provincial chief secretary, transport secretary and the private-public transport companies as respondents in the matter.

The petitioner expressed his grievance against the transport mafia, alleging they were charging exorbitant fares from passengers travelling on intercity routes over the province.

According to him, an official notification issued on March 1, 2016 by the provincial transport and mass transit department in relation to the fixation of fare was not being implemented by the official respondents.

He pointed out that road traffic incidents were repeatedly taking place on intercity routes because most of the public transport vehicles plying across the province were outdated or unfit to be on the road.

He pleaded to the court to direct the chief secretary and transport secretary implement the government-notified fares. He also sought direction for them to take action against the transporters if they charged exorbitant fares from passengers.



After hearing the initial arguments, the bench issued pre-admission notices to the provincial transport secretary, the advocate-general and others to file their comments by February 15.

The judges directed the respondents to ensure that all public vehicles charge the fare as per rates fixed by the government.

They also warned that action will be taken against delinquent transporters strictly in accordance with the law.