“Bara ho kar truck banoonga”

By Kanwal Naz

Karachi University has many unique features, some of which have been discussed earlier on Sahafionline. I have always felt proud of this fact, seriously, tell me which university has places like P.G., Arts Lobby, and a ‘dhaaba’ where you can enjoy the traditional milk beverage “lassi”?  These are the exclusive features of our beloved K.U. where education along with entertainment is guaranteed. But in today’s post I would like to tell all the non-K.U. students about our system of Rickshaws inside the university.

It sounds funny and shocking at the same time to have rickshaws at your campus. At least to the students from DUHS, SSUET, and Agha Khan and for all the college students who come to visit KU before applying to any department, it is surprising to see rickshaws zooming from one place to another. But the presence of this noisy vehicle confirms the long distances any KU student has to cover everyday. Also, our inefficient shuttles (which are supposed to do the job these rickshaws do) encourage the rickshaw drivers to ask for ‘unfair fares’. They know that at KU, if a student is asking for a ride in a rickshaw, he is helpless and desperate. They take full advantage of the absence of our shuttles.

These rickshaws are running a good business. Especially when there is a clash, they double the fares and drive away if you try to strike a bargain with them. Then you are left at the mercy of lifts, which by the way is not a safe option.

A student of mass communication who has a subsidiary, say psychology, has to walk a long distance of about 1 km everyday…everyday!!! With no shuttles to be sighted and too scared to take a lift, that poor student is forced to stop a rickshaw. The driver gives you a devilish smile and you reluctantly agree to his desired fare.

Sometimes, it so happens, that five or six girls jump into a single rickshaw. This a common practice at KU. Often you would see a rickshaw with seven girls over-loaded inside. This is quite hilarious and dangerous since the vehicle is not designed to carry loads that of a bus. Students, please be careful.

We also have a reservation system of these rickshaws. Students often call some drivers they know, to pick them up at a certain time. No one else, other than the student who has reserved the vehicle, is allowed to use it. If anyone dares to bid a higher amount, a conflict over this tiny vehicle, is likely to emerge. Believe me!

In the end, I would like to mention that these rickshaws prove to be an asset during Ramadan. Seriously, you save a lot of time and energy. I will not say money since these drivers ask for double fares, knowing that the students have no choice but to opt for them only. Some business it is.