The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed motorcycle-rickshaws, commonly known as Qingqis, to ply on Karachi roads, with a condition of fitness certificate and safety measures.
A two-member SC bench comprising Justice Gulzar Ahmed and Justice Dost Muhammad gave the ruling on an appeal against the verdict of Sindh High Court banning motorcycle-rickshaws on the roads of Karachi and other cities of the province.
The apex court, in its verdict, directed all the four provincial governments to ensure fitness of the rickshaws along with other safety measures. The court also directed the traffic authorities for registration of motorcycle rickshaws within three months with issuance of licenses to their drivers after clearing driving test.
No motorcycle rickshaw should be allowed on road without registration and safety measures, the court ordered. The court directed the transport authorities to submit reports in this regard on next date of hearing.
During the proceedings, Justice Dost Muhammad remarked questioned the transport department’s performance as to why the three-wheeler rickshaws had started plying on roads. The hearing was adjourned for three months.