ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has restrained authorities concerned from taking disciplinary action against sleeper coach operators on motorways and suspended several notices and directives issued to such buses.

Justice Mohammad Asif passed the interim order while hearing a petition filed by sleeper coach operators challenging regulatory measures and challans issued against their vehicles.

Advocate Mohammad Fahim Akhtar Gill appeared before the court on behalf of the petitioners.

In its written order, the court suspended the June 18 notice, July 14 letter and September 4 office memorandum until the next hearing. The court also directed that no disciplinary action be taken against the sleeper coach operators in the meantime.

The IHC issued notices to the respondents, seeking their replies and directing them to submit para-wise comments before the next hearing.

The petitioners had challenged the measures taken by the authorities against sleeper coaches, arguing that the notification concerning the withdrawal of safety measures for such buses, as well as the challans issued to them, were unlawful.

They requested the court to declare the impugned measures and actions against sleeper coaches illegal and without lawful authority.

The petitioners maintained that the authorities could not take punitive action against sleeper coach operators on the basis of the impugned notices and directives.

After hearing the initial arguments, the court granted interim relief to the petitioners and restrained the authorities from initiating disciplinary proceedings against the operators until further orders.

The court also sought detailed responses from the concerned authorities to determine the legality of the regulatory measures and the action taken against sleeper coaches.

The court adjourned further hearing of the matter until the last week of October.

Published in Dawn, September 18th, 2026