Overspeeding in Switzerland: JUI-F leader seeks waiving off extra fine

Upon failure to pay €105 fine, penalty on Mohammad Jan was increased to €301

PESHAWAR: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader Arbab Muhammad Farooq Jan has appealed the Swiss authorities to waive off additional penalty imposed on him for nonpayment of a traffic fine.

Jan was caught by authorities driving a rented vehicle in Emmen’s neighbourhood of Switzerland at a speed of 117km/h while the prescribed speed limit was set at 100km/h.



It happened when he was in the European country on a family vacation four months ago.

The JUII-F leader had originally been issued a €105 fine; however, upon his failure to pay it, the amount was increased to €301.

In a letter written to the Swiss authorities, Jan maintained that he is a “law-abiding citizen of Pakistan and willing to pay the fine”.



Due to slow-paced postal service in the country, he said, the challan for the fine was received after its payment period got expired. A few days later, he received another challan with additional penalty.

According to the politician, his friends in Europe tried to pay the original fine but the online ID did not accept the payment, saying the fine had either been paid or the matter remained pending in court.



“I will definitely pay the fine in any case so the world gets the message that Pakistanis are a civilised nation,” he said, adding that the Swiss authorities will decide on the request by February 2.

“I will pay the fine even if the additional penalty is not waived for the sake of my country’s dignity,” Jan said.

Jan had rented a luxury car in Italy and travelled along with his family to Switzerland, Germany, Holland and Belgium.

According to the JUI-F leader, he contacted the rent-a-car company for payment of the fine but was assured that there was nothing to worry about.

However, after months, a challan was sent to him at his Peshawar home.