KARACHI: The Sindh government has ordered “strict action” against public service vehicles operating without valid route permits and fitness certificates across the province.

In a statement, Sindh Senior Minister and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon said that a formal letter has been issued to the deputy commissioners and chairmen of the District Regional Transport Authorities (DRTAs) in this regard.

He said that the route permits and fitness certificates of a large number of vehicles have expired, and the concerned authorities have been directed to ensure that only vehicles with mandatory documentation under the Motor Vehicles Ordinance 1965 and Motor Vehicles Rules 1969 are allowed to operate on the roads.

Mr Memon said that a digital system has been introduced for issuing route permits and fitness certificates. Fitness certificates are now being issued entirely online, while permits for inter-district and urban routes are also being provided through an automated system. He added that manual route permits will soon be completely abolished.

Operation against overcharging by transporters

Meanwhile, on Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi’s directives, operations are ongoing in all districts against passenger buses for overcharging, says a statement.

All deputy commissioners have submitted their reports to the commissioner saying that assistant commissioners, in collaboration with the Regional Transport Authority and Traffic Police, are taking action against overcharging by public transport operators.

During the last three days, action has been taken against 229 buses, coaches, and minibuses while 25 vehicles have been seized. Fines were also imposed.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2026