Unauthorized rickshaws in Quetta face crackdown

People often face hassle while commuting as the bustling streets of Balochistan’s provincial capital witness traffic clogs, primarily due to the operation of more than 24,000 rickshaws that are running in Quetta for the last few years without official authorization, commonly known as the “permit.

The provincial government is scheduled to launch a drive against illegal vehicles, rickshaws and motorcycles on the directives of Interim Excise and Taxation Minister Prince Ahmed Ali.

The minister chaired a high-level meeting the other day and reviewed the arrangements made for the purpose.

The development was revealed by the Excise and Taxation Secretary Syed Zafar Ali Bukhari while talking to media on Wednesday.

Bukhari disclosed that the number of rickshaws plying the roads of the provincial capital was over 40,000 whereas only 16,000 of them had the official permit. The secretary's comments came after issues pertaining to worst traffic jams were witnessed in the city.

Bukhari announced that the excise department with the help of the police had decided to launch a campaign against unregistered vehicles and rickshaws from October 11.

Deliberating on the matter, the excise and taxation secretary noted that unregistered rickshaws and motorcycles were the main cause of accidents and traffic jams in the city.

"We have decided to take action against owners of illegal rickshaws and vehicles," he stated.

Bukhari detailed that vehicles, rickshaws and motorcycles would be stopped and checked throughout the city on October 11 to address the issue of traffic jams, and ensure the implementation of law. The provincial capital also grapples with the issue of non-customs paid vehicles for the last few years while no considerable action has been taken against their influential owners.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 5^th, 2023.