Rickshaws Just Got Banned on Major Karachi Roads

In a bid to reduce traffic disruptions and improve road safety, a strict ban has been imposed on unauthorized rickshaws on 11 major roads in Karachi, effective from April 15, 2025. The decision was made following recommendations from the DIG Traffic and enforced under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).

Banned Routes and Vehicles

The ban specifically targets One Plus Two and One Plus Four motor cab rickshaws operating on critical roads in Karachi, including Shahrah-e-Faisal, I.I. Chundrigar Road, Shaheed-e-Millat Road, and other vital city routes. The prohibition will last for two months, from April 15 to June 14, 2025.

Additionally, the ban extends to areas surrounding prominent landmarks such as Abdullah Shah Ghazi’s shrine and Stadium Road. This move aims to address traffic congestion and safety concerns caused by unauthorized rickshaws using self-assigned routes.

Enforcement and Legal Action

Violators of the ban will face legal consequences under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Traffic police have been given full authority to take strict action, including registering complaints and penalizing violators. All Station House Officers (SHOs) have received instructions to ensure compliance and enforce the order.

The Karachi Commissioner confirmed that this decision is crucial to ensuring smoother traffic flow and maintaining public safety. The Sindh government has already outlined plans to increase penalties for traffic violations as part of broader traffic law reforms.

The meeting discussing these reforms, which took place at the Central Police Office (CPO) in Karachi, also focused on introducing safety measures for commercial vehicles. These proposals include the installation of safety and tracking devices, as well as dashboard and cabin cameras in vehicles, to further improve road safety and law enforcement.