Transport strike extended as talks end in deadlock

KARACHI: Public transport services in Karachi are expected to remain disrupted on Friday after the Karachi Transport Alliance decided to continue its citywide strike, citing unsuccessful negotiations with the Sindh government.

The wheel-jam strike, which began on Thursday, severely affected the city's transport network, leaving thousands of commuters struggling to reach their workplaces. Buses, minibuses and coaches largely stayed off the roads as operators parked their vehicles at terminals and depots.

Karachi Transport Alliance President Haji Tawab Khan said discussions with government officials failed to resolve the dispute, leading transporters to extend the shutdown.

According to transport operators, the strike was launched after repeated efforts to have their concerns addressed yielded no results.

Their main grievance is the electronic traffic challan system, which they say imposes fines that are disproportionately high and often exceed their daily earnings.