KARACHI: A tense situation developed in Shireen Jinnah Colony on Monday after a heavy contingent of police arrived to clear the long-established No. 20 bus stand.

The site also houses terminals of Marwat Coach, Super Hasan Yousafzai Coach and Khan Coach, making it a major hub for transporters operating on different routes. Police and transporters came face to face as authorities attempted to vacate the premises, raising fears of a possible clash.

Transporters refused to leave the stand, alleging that they were not served any prior notice before the operation. Owners questioned how hundreds of vehicles could be relocated at such short notice.

Where are we supposed to take around 400 vehicles all of a sudden? several owners asked, adding that they have been paying taxes to the government for the past 50 years and operating strictly under route permits issued in accordance with the law.

Police officials, backed by machinery, remained present at the spot, while the atmosphere stayed highly charged.

The transporters demanded that the issue be resolved through negotiations. They warned that they would not vacate the decades-old bus stand by force under any circumstances.