Govt to bring reform in transport sector: Jamali

PTA launches crackdown against outdated passenger buses

QUETTA: Balochistan Transport Minister Umar Khan Jamali has vowed to bring reforms in the transport sector and said the policy to exchange old buses with new ones is under way.

“There are shortcomings in transport department which need time to be removed. Steps are underway to improve transport sector of Balochistan,” Jamali said on Wednesday while talking to media.

The minister welcomed Balochistan chief minister’s decision seeking judicial probe into the last 25 years’ spending under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and said in the past unnecessary development projects were included in the PSDP causing harm to the province.

He said practical measures are under way to facilitate public by improving condition of passenger coaches. Owners of all coaches must make sure presence of legal documents including road permit during travel and must collaborate with authorities during checking, he said

Separately, Balochistan Transport Authority (PTA) Secretary Zafar Iqbal Kubdani led a PTA and traffic police crackdown against outdated passenger coaches plying on Quetta- Zhob National Highway.

While checking vehicles, he imposed challan on coaches whose documents were incomplete. He directed the coach drivers to make sure presence of relevant documents.

He said special attention is being given to the transport sector of the province in order to facilitate people. Steps are being taken to facilitate passengers on Quetta- Karachi routes, he said.

“New coaches having all modern facilities are being plied on different routes. Checking on major routes will continue to improve transportation system of the province,” he added.