Karachi rickshaw drivers stage protest at Fawwara Chowk, bring traffic to a standstill

A protest is underway at Fawwara Chowk in Karachi by rickshaw drivers demanding the resolution of their grievances.

According to details, the demonstration has led to the closure of the road leading to the Governor's House, resulting in severe traffic disruption.

Due to the protest, long queues of vehicles have formed in the surrounding areas. The Karachi Press Club, Shaheen Complex, and nearby roads are experiencing a major traffic jam, causing significant inconvenience for commuters.

Rickshaw drivers have also blocked the routes leading to Abdullah Haroon Road and Shahrah-e-Faisal, further worsening the traffic situation.

Protesters claim that the traffic police are issuing fines of Rs. 5,000, and that the Commissioner of Karachi has recently banned rickshaws on certain roads, which has negatively impacted their livelihoods.

The protestors have vowed to continue their demonstration until their demands are met.

Read more: Rickshaws banned on major roads in Karachi

Earlier, the Commissioner of Karachi announced a two-month ban on auto-rickshaws on 11 key roads across the city, effective immediately and lasting until June 14, 2025.

According to the official notification, one-plus-two and one-plus-four motor cab rickshaws are restricted from entering or operating on the following routes:

Shahrah-e-Faisal to Avari Tower Hotel, II Chundrigar Road to Shaheen Complex, Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam to Numaish, Shershah Suri Road to Matriculation Board Road, Shaheed-e-Millat Road to Jail Chowrangi, Abdullah Haroon Road to Do Talwar Chowk, Do Talwar to Shahrah-e-Farooqi, Stadium Road, Millennium Mall vicinity, Sir Shah Suleman Road and Sir Habib Ibrahim Road, Rashid Minhas Road to Dargah Road and Maripur Road to Gulbai Road.