SHC wants explanation on illegal bus stands in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: In a case pertaining to illegal transport stands in Hyderabad, the Sindh High Court (SHC) has summoned the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) secretary to explain how the unauthorised hubs have been operating.

The Hyderabad circuit bench, comprising Justice Abdul Malik Gaddi and Justice Muhammad Karim Khan Agha, heard the petition of transporter Arshad Khan on Friday.

The petitioner claimed that he has been operating a van service from an authorised point at Badin bus stop for the last 25 years. However, he named certain transporters who have established bus and van stops in the City and Latifabad areas without obtaining approval and route permit from the concerned authorities.

According to RTA’s sources, almost all the inter-district bus, van and taxi stands, except the one in Badin, have been operating without official approval. The two stops, mainly in the Latifabad Unit 7 intersection, cause traffic congestion on the roads connecting Latifabad with Auto Bahn Road.

“… the local residents, students of schools and universities are facing hardship due to parking of vehicles on the stands,” he maintained. Khan alleged that transport and police officials are conniving in the unlawful business.

The petitioner claimed that he has written to the RTA and the traffic police authorities several times to take action against the illegal transportation hubs but to no avail. He claimed of receiving threats from those transporters.

The petitioner prayed to the court to assign the SHC’s registrar to submit a report to the court about the illegal stands. The SHC summoned the RTA and other respondents on September 26.

Source: Express Tribune