Rickshaw restrictions extended to seven more roads in Karachi

KARACHI: Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah has announced that rickshaws will soon be banned on seven more major roads in Karachi as part of a massive crackdown on traffic violations and encroachments in Karachi.

Speaking to the media, the DIG Traffic said that strict action will be taken against all types of encroachments on major roads of the city.

A major operation is being launched against encroachments, and a modern traffic management system will be implemented to ensure compliance with traffic rules.

Pir Muhammad Shah added that illegal rickshaws have already been removed from areas around Millennium Mall and Nagan Chowrangi, while encroachments have been cleared from Empress Market.

In the next phase, rickshaws will be banned on seven additional major roads.

He also informed that the Traffic Engineering Bureau, which was previously inactive, has been reactivated and separated from the Karachi Development Authority (KDA).

A new automated e-challan system is expected to be introduced next month to strengthen enforcement.

Meanwhile, Electronic Dealers Association President Rizwan Irfan expressed concern over the serious parking problems in the Mobile Market area.

He suggested that parking spaces be created around Jahangir Park to alleviate the situation.

The move is part of the city administration’s broader efforts to smooth traffic flow and improve road safety across Karachi.

Earlier, a strict ban was imposed on the movement of unauthorized rickshaws on 11 major roads in Karachi.

According to reports, the decision was taken on the recommendation of the DIG Traffic and was implemented under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).

The order said that One Plus Two and One Plus Four motor cab rickshaws are banned from plying on major roads in Karachi for two months from April 15 to June 14, 2025.

Violators will face legal action under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code. The roads on which rickshaws are now banned include Shahra-e-Faisal, I.I. Chandrigarh Road, Shaheed-e-Millat Road, and other major thoroughfares in the city.

The ban also applies to prominent landmarks such as Abdullah Shah Ghazi’s shrine and areas around Stadium Road.

Officials said these unauthorized and self-made rickshaw routes are causing major traffic disruptions and safety concerns in Karachi. The decision is aimed at reducing traffic flow and preventing road accidents.