The commissioner of Karachi, Syed Hassan Naqvi, led a significant gathering where notable attendees included Secretary Transportation Asad Zamin, Deputy Inspector General of Traffic Peer Muhammad Shah, Additional Commissioner for Karachi-I Ghulam Mehdi Shah, Senior Director at the Traffic Engineering Bureau Yousuf Iqbal, district magistrates, the secretary from the Regional Transport Authority, representatives from the Provincial Transport Authority, personnel from the Karachi Municipal Corporation, members of the Town Administration, and officers from the Cantonment Board.
The gathering examined measures to stop excessive pricing by long-distance bus companies and to guarantee the enforcement of regulated fees during Eid Ul Fitr.
The Secretary for Transportation, Asad Zamin, told the gathering that intercity bus operators were advised against charging extra fees from travelers, with strict actions planned against anyone found breaking the regulated pricing rules.
The meeting resolved to establish Help Desks at the Karachi Bus Terminal on Super Highway and other intra-city bus stations within the jurisdiction of the Provincial Transport Authority’s Secretary. These facilities aim to assist passengers with fair fares. Personnel from both the Transport Department and the Traffic Police will man these counters. Promotional banners will be put up to inform passengers about avoiding excessive charges beyond the regulated fare.
Additionally, it was agreed upon that the Provincial Transport Authority should disseminate this information via various forms of mass communication including newspapers and television broadcasts. The Commissioner instructed the Secretary of the Provincial Transport Authority to guarantee smooth travel experiences for those visiting family members during Eid holidays without encountering unfair surcharges imposed by transportation providers.
The meeting agreed to feature conspicuous warning signs for transportation services. Additionally, a helpline number was approved, with assurances that actions would be taken based on complaints or information submitted through this hotline.
During the meeting, they discussed plans for managing traffic flow and parking to handle the anticipated surge of Eid holiday shoppers in various markets and bazaars. They agreed to implement specific measures for traffic management and parking during this period. Additionally, the gathering determined that Deputy Commissioners along with local police officers, traffic officials, and members from pertinent market organizations should collaborate to assess these arrangements and take appropriate actions as needed.
It was additionally agreed upon that all Deputy Commissioners should convene meetings with pertinent officials within their respective offices and establish support desks at various marketplaces and bazaar areas.
During the meeting, discussions were held regarding the measures implemented to clear up parking spots within shopping centers. The participants agreed that specific parking provisions should be established at business complexes and retail outlets with vacant lots during Eid as a strategy to manage parking challenges. Additionally, they resolved to secure support from pertinent organizations, set up surveillance systems in these areas, assign personnel for overseeing car park activities, mark out parking zones clearly, and ensure proper illumination facilities are provided accordingly.
The Deputy Commissioner for the Southern region mentioned that over 20 shopping centers and structures near Saddar and Zebunessa Streets have now offered adequate parking space following the removal of storage units and unauthorized occupations, thus facilitating easier access for shoppers and residents alike.
The gathering also examined the suggestion to launch the Traffic Engineering Bureau, tasked with overseeing the city’s transportation network. Mr. Yousuf Iqbal, the Senior Director of the Traffic Bureau, provided an extensive presentation on this matter. During his address, he outlined the insufficient funding, shortage of skilled personnel, and various resource limitations within the division.
The meeting decided to restructure the Traffic Engineering Bureau and formulate a comprehensive policy to solve the city's traffic problems. The Commissioner said that comprehensive planning was needed to control Karachi's traffic problems . The meeting also considered the formation of the Karachi Traffic Management Board, which will consist of government and non-government members.
It was agreed upon that the proposals for establishing the board would be created in collaboration with the Transport Department and then presented to the government for approval.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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