KARACHI: The Karachi administration has expanded its ban on Qingqi rickshaws across several major roads in an effort to ease growing traffic congestion and improve road safety. The Karachi commissioner issued a formal notification after reviewing recommendations from the DIG Traffic, increasing the total number of restricted routes to 26. The ban will remain in effect until December 17 and is part of a wider push to streamline movement across the city’s busiest corridors.
According to the notification, strict action will be taken against violators, with SHOs directed to register cases under Section 188. Relevant departments and deputy commissioners have also been instructed to ensure immediate and full implementation of the new traffic restrictions. Authorities say the decision was prompted by persistent public complaints regarding road blockages, slow traffic, and safety hazards caused by Qingqi rickshaws on major thoroughfares.
Under the updated rules, Qingqi motor cab rickshaws are now completely prohibited on several important routes. These include Shahrah-e-Faisal from Malir Halt to Quaidabad, the National Highway from Quaidabad to Ghaghar Phatak, Masan Road from the KPT Post Office to Sheerin Jinnah Colony, and Nawab Mohabbat Khan Ji Road from Khoja Jamaat Khana to Lea Market. Additional restricted roads include Nawab Siddiq Ali Khan Road from the Board Office to Numaish, the SM Taufiq–Jahangir Road corridor from Liaquatabad No. 10 to Numaish, and the M-9 Motorway stretch from Sohrab Goth to the Toll Plaza.
The commissioner also reaffirmed that bans on several previously restricted routes remain unchanged. These include Shahrah-e-Faisal from Avari Light Signal to Madam Apartments, II Chundrigar Road from Tower to Shaheen Complex, Shahrah-e-Quaideen from Numaish to Shahrah-e-Faisal, Shershah Suri Road from the Matric Board Office to Nagan Chowrangi, and Shaheed-e-Millat Road from Jail Chowrangi to the Expressway. Restrictions also continue on Abdullah Haroon Road, the Do Talwar corridor, Stadium Road, Sir Shah Suleman Road, Rashid Minhas Road, Mauripur Road, Shahrah-e-Pakistan, Hub River Road, University Road, Korangi Road, Orangi Road, Super Highway to Malir Halt, and the Surjani to Sohrab Goth corridor.
The commissioner stressed that enforcement will be closely monitored and penalties will be applied without exception. Officials expect that the expanded ban will lead to smoother traffic flow, fewer delays, and reduced accident risks across Karachi’s most heavily used routes. As traffic police intensify monitoring, commuters may begin experiencing noticeable improvements in overall travel time and road safety in the days ahead.
