Transporters to cut service by 70%

Say rising prices of petroleum products making holes in pockets of pivate transporters

ISLAMABAD:

Angry over the unprecedented hike in the petrol and diesel prices, the transporters announced on Friday to fully close the transport after Eidul Azha, stating that only 30 per cent of transport would be operated due to Eid holidays.

All Pakistan Public Transport Owners Federation (APPTOF) said that the rising petrol and diesel prices, coupled with high taxes and other charges, crippled the resources of the transporters to operate transport in the country.

They said that there was already a low number of passengers opting for private transport due to rising fares. “If the government cannot reduce the price of diesel, it should abolish taxes,” they demanded. It is to be noted here that the government made a whopping Rs14.85 per litre increase in the petrol price on Thursday.

The government also imposed a levy of Rs10 per litre on petrol, whereas, a levy of Rs5 had been imposed on High Speed Diesel, Light Diesel and Kerosene Oil. Similarly, the government had increased the price of High Speed Diesel by Rs13.23 per lire. The rate of Kerosene Oil also increased by Rs18.83, whereas, the price of Light Diesel went up by Rs18.68.

Meanwhile, Islamabad Capital Police (ICTP) keeping in view the safety of the citizens and road safety rules, the Islamabad Capital Police expedited strict action against one way and other traffic rules violators and issued 8,511 Fine tickets over one way violation during the last two weeks.

Special squads have been formed, which will be deployed exclusively on all major highways of Islamabad like Expressway, Srinagar Highway, Margalla Road, IJP Road, Murree Road, 7th Avenue and 9th Avenue.

In this regard, orders have been issued to the Zonal DSPs to intensify the action under their supervision. Special awareness campaigns have also been launched on the dangers and harms of one-way and other traffic violations.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 2^nd, 2022.