KARACHI:
The recent torrential rains and floods have affected the country’s railway system as bridges and railway lines have been severely damaged. Resultantly, most train and bus movement has been suspended. Given that the Ministry of Railways has set up control rooms in central and divisional headquarters and formed special teams, a thorough inspection of bridges and railway lines must be conducted before resuming train operations. Some owners of transport running on inter-district routes have taken undue advantage of this situation by raising fares. This is further adding to the problems of the inflation-hit public.
Transport owners already raised the fares of freight and passenger buses abnormally after the recent increase in the prices of petroleum products. Instead of regulating the transporters and monitoring the prices, regional transport authorities have turned a blind eye to the situation. The relevant government departments must urge regional and district transport authorities to monitor the situation and prevent arbitrary increases in fares.
Due to inter-district travel difficulties, the transportation of food items across the country has also been affected and food prices will further increase if fare prices continue to rise. If the relevant departments do not pay attention to this, the situation will worsen. Retailers and wholesalers may further exploit consumers by creating artificial shortages and raising prices. Therefore, those who are taking advantage of the grim circumstances must be held responsible and should be given punishment per the law.
