Karachi bans auto rickshaws

Karachi Commissioner Syed Hasan Naqvi has issued a formal notification banning the operation of motor-cab rickshaws on 11 major roads across the city for a period of two months.

The ban comes in to effect today and will remain in place until June 14, 2025. The purpose of this move is to manage traffic flow and reduce congestion in high-traffic areas. The banned routes include some of the busiest roads in the city. These are Shahrah Faisal to Avari Tower Hotel, II Chundrigar Road to Shaheen Complex, Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam to Numaish, and Sher Shah Suri Road to the Matriculation Board office.

Other affected roads are Shaheed-e-Millat Road to Jail Chowrangi, Abdullah Haroon Road to Do Talwar, Do Talwar to Shahrah-e-Farooqi, Stadium Road, Millennium Mall area, Sir Shah Suleman Road, Sir Habib Ibrahim Road, Rashid Minhas Road to Dargah Road, and Maripur Road to Gulbai.

Authorities stated that the ban applies only to specific types of auto rickshaws and is aimed at improving traffic movement and reducing accidents in crowded urban areas. Police and traffic wardens have been instructed to strictly implement the ban and take action against violations.

Officials have also requested the public to cooperate and use alternate transportation on these routes. The government may extend or revise the ban depending on the results seen during this two-month period. The decision is part of ongoing efforts to improve traffic management and road safety in Karachi.