Public transport officially resumes in Karachi
KARACHI (92 News) – The public transport officially resumed in Karachi from Wednesday after suspension for over two months due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The Sindh government allowed public transport and online ride-hailing services under the standard operating procedures (SOPs), set by the authorities.
The city has regained its hustle and bustle on roads with return of public transport but it seems the transporters have thrown away the SOPs, agreed with the government.
The condition of availability of hand sanitizers and wearing of masks in vehicles not seemed to be enforced, while social distancing, a key rule to keep the virus away, also being violated.
The government has set up a monitoring and inspection committee, comprises of transport and revenue officers, to oversee implementation of the SOPs.
Earlier, the Sindh government has allowed resumption of inter-city public transport in Karachi from Wednesday.
The decision in this regard has been taken in a meeting between transporters and Sindh government officials in Karachi on Tuesday.
Talking to media, Sindh Minister for Transport Awais Qadir Shah said all transporters have been made bound to follow standard operating procedure (SOPs) in this regard and warned that in case of violation of SOPs, transport will be closed.
According to SOPs, transporters will not be allowed to accommodate more passengers than the seating capacity of the bus and wearing masks will be compulsory. The vehicle will not be allowed to continue its service if caught violating the SOPs.
On the other hand, Sindh Home department has said in its notification that businesses will remain open from Monday to Friday – 06:00am to 07:00pm – in the province.
According to the notification, educational and training institutions, marriage and expo halls, sports clubs, gyms, beauty parlors, shrines, cinemas and theaters will remain closed.
Takeaway and home delivery services have been allowed at restaurants. The notification by the Sindh Home Department remains effective till June 30, 2020.
