Crackdown launched against transporters involved in overcharging

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government on Monday started a crackdown against transporters involved in the overcharging of passengers despite a significant reduction in petroleum products prices.

Zafarullah Khan Umarzai, Special Assistant to the Caretaker Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Transport and Housing has issued clear directives to transport officials in this regard.

He directed officials to visit passenger transport stands daily and take stern action against drivers who overcharge passengers, ensuring that the benefits of reduced petroleum prices are passed on to the general population.

In alignment with the caretaker provincial government’s special instructions and the guidance of the Special Assistant for Transport, the Provincial Transport and Regional Transport Authorities have launched an extensive operation in collaboration with the district administration.

They have initiated visits to locations such as T-road and others, commencing legal proceedings against those found overcharging passengers.

The Motor Vehicle Examiner in Peshawar, along with Traffic Inspection Staff (TIS), has been promptly addressing this issue by issuing challans to several drivers who have been overcharging passengers.

Authorities are now instructed to perform daily inspections at transport bases and bus terminals, scrutinizing fare collection from passengers. Drivers engaged in overcharging will face route permit suspension, and vehicle owners will be subjected to fines.

Emphasising the government’s commitment to extending the benefits of reduced fuel prices to the public, Umarzai stressed that there should be no leniency in dealing with those who charge excessive fares and they must be met with strong measures.

It is pertinent to mention here that the petrol price was dropped by a massive Rs40 per litre in Pakistan.

According to notification issued by Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), the rate of petrol reached Rs 283.38 per litre with a reduction of Rs 40 per litre.

Whereas, the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) has been reduced by Rs 15 per litre to Rs 303.18. Meanwhile, the Kerosene oil prices dropped by Rs 22.43 per litre to Rs 214.85.

On October 1, Petrol price came down by Rs 8 per litre in Pakistan after a two-month hike and set at Rs 323.38 per litre.