KARACHI: Karachi police claimed to have arrested 80 drivers and issued 50 challans during a crackdown on those violating the Sindh government’s standard operating procedures (SOPs) pertaining to public transport.
According to polices sources, besides the metropolis, operations were also carried out against the violators in Hyderabad, Shikarpur, Badin, Sukkur, Larkana, Naushero Feroze and Khairpur, among other cities.
Police officials said that 37 buses, vans, coaches and taxis were impounded, while the total penalties issued to 91 passenger buses in the province amounted to Rs 77,300.
Police added that monitoring and vigilance teams were taking constant action against the violators. Police also disclosed that show-causes notices were issued by Sindh government officials to six regional secretaries for their inefficient performance.
On June 2, the Sindh government had allowed the resumption of inter-city public transport in Sindh’s capital despite the province being the worst-hit by the coronavirus outbreak.
The government had allowed resumption of public transport with strict implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The provincial transport minister had maintained an inspection team that had been formed to ensure the implementation of the SOPs.
As per set SOPs, the transporters will not be allowed to accommodate over-crowd buses, and wearing masks will be compulsory.
The vehicle will not be allowed to continue its service if caught violating the SOPs. Sindh has started easing lockdown restriction as it has allowed some industries to resume operations.
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