The Sindh Government’s Transport Secretary Ghulam Abbas Detho has written a letter to the Regional Transport Authority asking him to stop the services of Airlift and Swvl. According to the letter, these companies have started their services without a Vehicle Fitness Certificate and No Objection Certificate (NOC).
As per details, Ghulam Abbas Detho has said that Airlift, Swvl and similar other companies are providing coaster facilities to customers using advanced technology and internet apps without acquiring root permits and vehicle fitness certificates, which is damaging the state exchequer.
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In this regard, a notice has been sent to Nazar Hussain Shahani, secretary of the Regional Transport Authority stating that ordinary vehicles have been added to the service without being registered through any regulatory bodies. Traveling in such cars by the common people is a security risk, the notice says.
After online registration, the vehicles of the companies providing travel services to the consumers are operating on a commercial basis without a permit route, which is provided in section 2 (5), (20), section of the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1965 (MWO) 39 and Section 40 violations. Lawsuits should be taken against these companies for the protection of the public and increase in government revenue. In the notification, the relevant authorities have also been instructed to inform the companies immediately about litigation.
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In this regard, Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Secretary Nazar Hussain Shahani, while talking to Daily Jasarat, said that we have not received permission from the government to provide coaster service through online apps. They will be closed if no permission is granted.
“We have sent a letter to these companies a week ago asking them to drive their vehicles on the roads of Karachi only after acquiring route permits. We have been waiting for their response for a week. If there is no reply, we will ask DIG traffic to initiate an action against them because the traffic police have the responsibility.”
On the other hand, Executive Director of Airlift Pakistan Syed Maher Haider spoke to Daily Jasarat, saying that we are committed to remove all the concerns of the Sindh government. We are ready to fully cooperate with the Government of Sindh, we have received a letter from the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) and will be answering it soon. We cannot violate the law & will work together with the government to reduce the problem of transport in Karachi and implement whatever law exists in this regard.
“We are making it easier for the government in terms of public transport. We are ready to work with the government, and have requested them to adopt this new technology, because it has benefits for Pakistan and will provide employment to millions of people.”
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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