Rickshaw ban hits commuters
The sudden ban on certain motor-cab rickshaws leaves commuters in a bind. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI/EXPRESS
As city's streets sprang to life on Wednesday morning, commuters were met with an unexpected roadblock: their trusty rickshaws were nowhere to be found on major routes.
Students rushing to universities and office-goers heading to work were among those worst hit, struggling to find alternative rides as the overnight ban on "One Plus Two" and "One Plus Four" motor-cab rickshaws took effect without warning.
The sudden disruption left many wondering why the city's traffic authorities had sprung this surprise on them.
While the ban on rickshaws hauling six to nine passengers was strictly implemented on some routes like Johar to Qayumabad, the regular three-wheelers that carry two passengers or 'one-plus two' were seen flouting the ban on II Chundrigar Road.
Two-month ban imposed on rickshaws on main roads
The administration of Karachi division has imposed a two-month ban on the movement of specific categories of motor cab rickshaws on 11 major roads in the metropolitan city. The restriction applies to "One Plus Two" and "One Plus Four" motor cab rickshaws (MCRs) and will be enforced from April 15 to June 14, 2025.
The ban was notified by Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi on Tuesday under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). It was imposed on the recommendation of the DIG Traffic Police. It is aimed at improving traffic flow and curbing congestion caused by unauthorised and illegal rickshaw routes and stands.
According to the notification, violators will face legal proceedings under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which deals with defiance of an order promulgated by a public servant.
The ban on "One Plus Two" and "One Plus Four" rickshaws applies to the following main routes:
g Sharae Faisal: From Awari traffic light signal to Madam Apartments near the airport
g II Chundrigar Road: From Merewether Tower to Shaheen Complex
Similarly, "One Plus Four" rickshaws are also restricted on the following corridors:
g Shahrah-e-Qaideen: From Numaish Chowrangi to Nursery Market on Sharae Faisal
g Sher Shah Suri Road: From Matric Board Office to Nagan Chowrangi in North Nazimabad
g Shaheed-e-Millat Road: From Jail Chowrangi to Shaheed-e-Millat Expressway
g Abdullah Haroon Road: From Do Talwar in Clifton to Hashoo Centre in Saddar via Hoshang Road and Khayaban-e-Iqbal
g Do Talwar to Shahrah-e-Firdous: Extending up to Abdullah Shah Ghazi Mazar
g Stadium Road: From Millennium Mall to New Town police station
g Sir Shah Suleman Road: From Sir Habib Ibrahim Rahmatullah Road to Hassan Square and Karsaz
g Rashid Minhas Road: From Drigh Road Railway Station to Sohrab Goth
g Maripur Road: From Gulbai Truck Stand to ICI Bridge
The decision stems from concerns over the increasing number of unauthorised and self-established illegal routes and rickshaw stands, which have been cited as significant contributors to traffic congestion. Commissioner Naqvi has instructed all SHOs to strictly enforce the ban within the remits of their police stations and initiate legal action against violators.
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