Crackdown ordered on fares overcharging ahead of Eid in Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI, Mar 17 (APP):Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Rawalpindi Farhan Aslam has ordered strict action against fares overcharging and overloading by public transporters ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, directing authorities to ensure relief for commuters.

Following the directives, he issued special instructions to the Education Wing of the City Traffic Police (CTP) and field officers to intensify enforcement and awareness efforts at bus terminals across the district.

The move comes in line with directions of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Traffic Punjab Muhammad Waqas Nazir, who has also called for strict action against violations to facilitate commuters during the Eid rush.

According to a CTP spokesman on Tuesday, teams of the Education Wing met transporters, terminal managers and drivers and warned them against overcharging passengers or violating prescribed limits. They were also sensitised about the legal consequences of non-compliance.

The CTO directed that all transport operators must prominently display approved fare lists at bus stands and inside vehicles. He added that terminal owners had been instructed to ensure checking of passengers and their luggage in view of security concerns.

Farhan Aslam said transporters should refrain from overcharging to avoid legal action, adding that special squads had been constituted alongside a helpline to curb violations. “Complaints of overcharging and overloading will be addressed promptly, and strict action will be taken,” he said.

He emphasised that no one would be allowed to exploit passengers, particularly those travelling to their hometowns for Eid. Drivers and conductors were also directed to treat passengers with courtesy during journeys.

The CTO said arrangements had also been finalised to facilitate the smooth return of passengers after Eid-ul-Fitr.