KARACHI, March 27: Sindh Ombudsman Justice Haziqul Khairi on Thursday reviewed the implementation of his earlier directives to the traffic police and the regional transport authority to mitigate the sufferings of women travelling by buses and coaches in Karachi.

Convening a meeting in his office, the ombudsman said that despite his categorical orders that there should be a separate compartment for women, and men should not travel in this enclosure, his directives were being flouted and male passengers continue to travel in the women’s compartment, causing inconvenience to women and college girls.

The DIG Operations could not attend the meeting though his presence was considered essential as the regular police force was also directly involved with this problem of significance, it was stated.

The DIG traffic, Mohammad Yamin Khan, held out an assurance that the compliance of his orders would be ensured and fort-nightly reports would be sent to the ombudsman secretariat.

The Ombudsman said that after April 15, a vigilance squad, comprising his senior judicial advisors, would be deputed to carry out random checking of buses, particularly during peak hours.

Motor vehicle examination branch was also directed to submit an updated report regarding the authenticity of the fitness certificates issued to smoke-emitting buses, mini-buses and coaches.

The DIG traffic was asked to direct the motor vehicle inspectors to submit verification reports about the authenticity or otherwise of such fitness certificates.

He assured the ombudsman that strict disciplinary action would be taken against the defaulting motor vehicle inspectors found indulging in malpractices.

Special attention of those present was drawn to the provision of Section 115 of the motor vehicle Ordinance of 1965 which provides for punitive action against the violators of law, including impounding of their vehicles.

This was considered necessary because generally the drivers were let off after charging paltry fines of Rs100 or so.—PPI