Airlift, Swvl reminded to run operations as per law: transport ministry – Pakistan

Sindh's Transportation Secretary, Ghulam Abbas, said Sunday that private application-based transportation companies, Airlift and Swvl, have not been banned and, instead, have been ordered to take their operations to the realm of law.

Speaking to DawnNewsTVHe said private services were operating without route permits and certificates of no objection. The transportation department was not aware of its collection and delivery points, he said, adding that the two services had not obtained certificates of fitness for their vehicles.

"We sent them a notice asking them to inform the authorities about their mechanism and to register their systems," he said.

The secretary also said that no one would be allowed to "endanger the lives of citizens."

Meanwhile, Sindh Transportation Minister Owais Qadir Shah said the government wants to provide high quality transportation services to citizens. He added that online bus services had been allowed to run on a trial basis and were sent a reminder to obtain certification at the end of their trial period.

"We want Airlift and Swvl to provide superior transportation services in Karachi," he added.

Speaking of government initiatives in this regard, Shah said: "We are encouraging private investment in the transport sector and the Sindh government is also trying to bring buses. However, the government cannot implement its bus project. immediate because it requires a heavy budget. "

"We had conversations with both online van services and asked them to obtain route permits and fitness certificates according to the motor vehicle laws within the stipulated time. As that time is over, we have sent them a soft reminder that unfortunately is being misunderstood ". "

The minister said the provincial government was considering introducing legislation for online services of vans and taxis. He expressed his wish that the proposed legislation be adopted at the next provincial cabinet meeting.