Sindh orders crackdown on public transport over expired permits

The Sindh government on Thursday announced a province-wide crackdown on public service vehicles operating without valid route permits and fitness certificates, or using expired documentation, according to an official notification issued by the Transport and Mass Transit Department.

The directive noted that a significant number of inter-city and intra-city vehicles are currently operating without required legal documentation or with expired permits and fitness certificates. Authorities have been instructed to ensure strict enforcement of the Motor Vehicles Ordinance 1965 and Motor Vehicles Rules 1969.

Under the new measures, all public service vehicles must carry valid route permits, fitness certificates, and other mandatory documents to remain operational. The department has also introduced a digitised system for issuing route permits and fitness certificates. As part of this automation process, fitness certificates are now being issued digitally, while route permits for both inter-city and intra-city travel are being processed through the updated system. Manual permits are set to be phased out to improve transparency and efficiency.

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Officials have been directed to launch a special inspection campaign targeting vehicles operating without valid documentation. Strict action will also be taken against operators found charging fares above officially approved rates.

The notification further reiterates a complete ban on the use of CNG and LPG in school transport and inter-city public service vehicles, stressing that no vehicle will be allowed to operate without proper certification.

The crackdown comes amid broader challenges in the transport and energy sectors, including rising fuel costs and supply disruptions. In response, the Sindh government has already introduced subsidies for registered motorcyclists as well as financial support for public and goods transport operators to offset increased operational costs.

Authorities say the latest measures aim to improve road safety, ensure regulatory compliance, and enhance transparency in the transport system across the province.