Transport services halted amid fare dispute
Rickshaw drivers block key arteries of Karachi - including Fawara Chowk, Abdullah Haroon Road, and Aiwan-e-Saddar - during a protest against restrictions on entering major roads like II Chundrigar and Sharae Faisal. The protest brought traffic to a standstill, leaving commuters stranded for hours. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI/EXPRESS
A fare hike dispute between passengers and drivers at the Islamabad route terminal in Abbottabad caused a brief suspension of transport services on Sunday.
The disagreement emerged when local drivers unilaterally raised fares without prior notice, sparking strong protests from commuters. Witnesses reported heated arguments between passengers and transporters as commuters refused to pay the increased fares.
The situation quickly escalated, prompting terminal authorities to halt all vehicle operations on the Islamabad route to avoid further unrest. Upon receiving reports of the disruption, traffic police inspector Wasim Khan, along with the Lorry Adda In-charge, reached the site and initiated talks with the parties concerned.
After detailed negotiations, authorities managed to de-escalate the situation, and the drivers agreed to revert to the previously set fares.