KARACHI: In an effort to curb fare overcharging during the Eid ul Fitr holiday 2025 season, the Sindh government has decided to cancel the holidays of transport officials. This move aims to ensure strict monitoring of public transport fares and facilitate smooth travel for citizens.
On Friday, the Sindh government officially announced the Eid ul Fitr holidays for the province. As per the notification issued by the Services, General Administration, and Coordination Department, public holidays for Eid ul Fitr holidays 2025 will be observed from Monday, March 31, to Wednesday, April 2. During this period, government offices and many businesses will remain closed to allow people to celebrate the religious festival with their families.
However, in a special directive, the Sindh government has revoked the holidays of officials from the Transport and Mass Transit Department. According to ARY News, Sindh Minister for Transport, Sharjeel Inam Memon, emphasized that this decision was taken to prevent transport operators from exploiting passengers through excessive fare hikes, a common issue during festive seasons.
Memon reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to ensuring fair transportation services during Eid. He stated that transport officials would remain on duty throughout the holiday period, closely monitoring fares and taking necessary actions against transporters found guilty of overcharging passengers. The minister further assured the public that strict legal measures would be enforced against any violations.
He also urged citizens to report cases of excessive fare demands, advising them not to pay beyond the standard rates set by the government. “Passengers should not tolerate any unjustified increase in fares. If anyone faces such issues, they must immediately report it so that action can be taken against violators,” Memon added.
It is worth noting that overcharging by transporters during major festive occasions, especially Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adha, has been a recurring concern. Many travelers, particularly those commuting from urban centers like Karachi to their hometowns in rural Sindh and other provinces, often face difficulties due to sudden fare hikes imposed by bus operators. In previous years, complaints of inflated ticket prices, ticket hoarding, and overcrowding at bus terminals have been widely reported, leading to public frustration.
By keeping transport officials on duty, the Sindh government hopes to curb these exploitative practices and ensure a fair and smooth travel experience for all passengers. The initiative reflects the administration’s proactive approach to addressing long-standing transportation challenges during peak holiday periods.
Passengers traveling during Eid have been advised to plan their journeys carefully and remain vigilant against unfair pricing practices. The government has also set up helplines where complaints can be registered, ensuring that swift action is taken against those violating the law.
With this measure in place, authorities expect better regulation of transport services, allowing citizens to celebrate Eid without the added burden of excessive travel costs.
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