KARACHI:
A few days ago, Qaisar Ali set his motorbike on fire to protest the misbehaviour of a traffic warden at Bhatta Chowk in Lahore. The motorcyclist claimed that he was driving on the extreme left side of the road and was wearing a helmet at the time when the warden stopped him and demanded his licence and registration documents. He also told the media that before this episode another warden had imposed a heavy fine on him and seized his license.
Many shopkeepers in the area claimed that traffic wardens are targeting motorcyclists to fulfil their ‘daily quota’ of challans to please their senior officers. Instead of investigating the matter, the traffic police issued a statement declaring Qaiser responsible for the situation. The high-handedness of the so-called guardians of the people is alarming as they are targeting poor citizens and adding to their problems.
In Peshawar, we regularly come across traffic wardens and police officers who consider themselves above the law. Traffic wardens are often seen physically assaulting civilians and imposing heavy fines. Clearly, they are misusing their authority and failing to fulfil their duties. The relevant departments should take note of this and strictly act against these unethical practices.
Muhammad Saad Jamil
Peshawar
Published in The Express Tribune, March 9th, 2023.
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