MORE than 75 per cent of mini-buses stay off the roads on CNG closure days. Printing of a few photos showing people travelling on rooftops and hanging precariously on the footboards of buses are not suffice to highlight the serious problem being faced by the public.

The city is facing this serious problem. A few coaches or buses operate in the morning and then disappear from the roads by noon on CNG closure day. Returning home from workplaces is a dreaded issue and most office workers take off days on the CNG closure days and face deduction from their salaries for no fault of theirs.

The provincial ministry concerned must order the owners of the diesel-powered public transport to operate throughout the week. On non-compliance, their licences must be withheld and penalties be imposed.

In the interest of the people, public transport must not use CNG.

A strict follow-up and checking of these vehicles must be carried out by the authorities concerned to ensure that they are not using CNG.

S. ABRAR HUSSAINI
Karachi