Qingqi rickshaws allowed to operate at six routes in Karachi

KARACHI: A day after Sindh government decided to stop online cab services from operations across the province, it has allowed Qingqi rickshaws to operate in the metropolis after availing fitness certificate and license from the authorities concerned.

This decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Sindh on Tuesday (today), with officials of the transport department in attendance.

Registration of Qingqi rickshaws is underway in accordance with the top court’s judgment, contended the Chief Secretary.

“Qingqi rickshaws will not affect, cause disturbance to mass transit routes and important roads of the metropolis”, CS was quoted while saying in the meeting.

Secretary transport informed the attendants of the meeting that Qingqi rickshaws can only run at the six routes of the city including, UP to Khawaja Ajmeer Nagri, Nagan Chowrangi – Iqra University North Campus, Bakra Mandi – Lee Market, “Five Minute Chowrangi” – North Karachi No. 6 and Nagan Chowrangi to Godhra Mor.

Installation of fare meters in Qingqi rickshaws was declared “essential” during the meeting.

In March 2017, supreme Court of Pakistan granted permission to government registered motorcycle rickshaws to operate in Sindh including Karachi.

A two-member bench of the top court headed by Justice Gulzar Ahmed heard the petition filed by All Sindh Qingqi Rickshaw Union, seeking lifting ban on these motorcycle rickshaws across Sindh.

The court prohibited unregistered and locally altered motorcycle rickshaws to run on the roads allowing only the rickshaws built by the government approved manufacturers.

Following the apex court’s orders, 10,000 registered motorcycle rickshaws will operate in Sindh including Karachi.

Justice Gulzar Ahmed, during hearing the case, lambasted government for not addressing issues timely.