Vehicles sans permits, fitness certificates to face crackdown

The Sindh government has ordered a province-wide crackdown on public service vehicles operating without valid route permits and fitness certificates, directing authorities to ensure strict compliance with transport laws.

Senior Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon said in a statement on Thursday that formal instructions have been conveyed to deputy commissioners and chairmen of District Regional Transport Authorities (DRTAs) to take immediate action against violators.

He said a large number of vehicles were plying on roads with expired route permits and fitness certificates, which was a matter of serious concern. He directed that all vehicles must operate strictly in accordance with the Motor Vehicles Ordinance, 1965, and the Motor Vehicles Rules, 1969, and carry all mandatory documents.

The minister said the government had introduced a digital system for the issuance of route permits and fitness certificates. Fitness certificates were now being issued entirely online, while permits for inter-district and intra-city routes were also being processed through an automated system. He added that the manual system would soon be abolished.

Sharjeel said the government was providing subsidies to transporters on the condition that fares fixed prior to February 27, 2026, were maintained. However, he added that complaints had been received regarding overcharging by some operators, leading to exploitation of commuters.

He directed the authorities to launch a special checking drive, ensure immediate action against vehicles operating without valid documents, and make it mandatory for all public service vehicles to prominently display fare lists to facilitate passengers.

The minister also ordered strict enforcement of the ban on the use of CNG and LPG in school vans and inter-district public transport, warning that no vehicle would be allowed to ply on roads without complete documentation.