Transport operators across Sindh face the seizure of their vehicles and the registration of criminal cases if they fail to secure or renew valid route permits by February 28, 2026, the provincial government has announced.
In a stern warning to all transporters, Senior Sindh Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon, today stated that a special campaign will be launched after the deadline to impound non-compliant vehicles.
He stressed that all commercial carriers must adhere to prescribed speed limits and cautioned that dangerous practices such as overloading, improper overtaking, reckless driving, and one-way infractions must cease.
The minister also announced a ban on the use of compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), or liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel in inter-district transport as well as in vehicles serving schools, colleges, and other educational institutions.
Furthermore, he mandated that all public service vehicles must be equipped with functioning emergency exits, first aid kits, and fire extinguishers to ensure passenger safety.
Strict enforcement of axle load limits, as outlined in the National Highway Safety Ordinance 2000, will also be ensured. Mr Memon elaborated that transport will only be permitted to operate with valid documentation, including registration, fitness certificates, and route permits, and must remain on their approved routes.
The government has also prohibited heavy vehicles from using bypasses and link roads, specifically including the Indus Highway (N-55) and the Mehran Highway.
All commercial drivers are required to possess a valid Heavy Transport Vehicle (HTV) driving licence. For journeys exceeding 322 kilometres, the presence of two qualified, HTV-licenced drivers will be compulsory.
Mr Memon noted that many operators currently run public service and freight vehicles with expired or non-existent permits, which is a clear breach of motor vehicle regulations. He directed all transporters to rectify their documentation by the deadline, after which a coordinated campaign involving the Provincial Transport Authority, Regional Transport Authorities, Traffic Police, and District Administration will commence.
In addition to impounding vehicles and registering FIRs, the authorities will request the Excise Department to suspend the registration of offending vehicles. Overdue route permits will be cancelled and reallocated to other eligible transporters following the clearance of government dues.