The Islamabad High Court has directed the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) to formulate a comprehensive policy regarding rickshaw pullers in Islamabad. This decision came after a contempt of court petition was filed by rickshaw pullers against the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and MCI. The court heard the petition along with two contempt of court petitions, with the petitioner’s lawyer Iman Mazari and MCI officials present.
During the hearing, Iman Mazari argued that policy-making is the job of MCI, not CDA, and that authorities are not issuing licenses to rickshaw pullers. The Director DMA stated that they are not against rickshaw pullers but are working on a procedure. The court inquired about the number of rickshaw pullers in Islamabad, and the lawyer estimated around 20,000 to 21,000.
The judicial assistant mentioned that some rickshaw pullers had reported no issues with shopkeepers or demands for money, but there were parking problems in areas like I-10. The Chamber of Commerce requested time to provide its position on the matter. The MCI officials suggested a plot for a weekly market, but Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan noted that a daily profession couldn’t be operated on a weekly basis.
The Islamabad High Court directed the MCI to formulate a policy for rickshaw pullers in Islamabad and adjourned the hearing until June 13. This will allow the MCI to work on the policy and the Chamber of Commerce to provide its input. The policy is expected to address licensing, designated areas, and other issues related to rickshaw pullers in the city. The court’s decision aims to provide a framework for rickshaw pullers to operate efficiently while addressing concerns related to traffic and parking. The MCI’s policy will play a crucial role in regulating the rickshaw industry in Islamabad.
