Given the unusual surge in the number of migrant workers returning to their native hometowns at the bus stands, the transporters have arbitrarily increased the fares, which has added to the problems of the inflation-hit people.
The people leaving for their native cities from various bus stands in the garrison city were facing issues including overcharging, overloading and unfit vehicles by the transporters.
Sources said all institutions, including the Regional Transport Authority, Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation, City Traffic Police, and the district administration appeared helpless in front of the transporters.
According to sources, like every year the migrant workforce has started leaving the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad to celebrate Eidul Fitr with their loved ones.
A large number of passengers have arrived at Pirwadhai Bus Terminal, Faizabad Bus Stand, Sawan Bus Terminal, No. 26 Chongi Bus Stand, and Pirwadhai Mor, from where the journey is being started in buses and wagons. The movement of public transport on GT Road and motorways is unusual.
Meanwhile, passengers have raised questions about the performance of the Regional Transport Authority on the lack of facilities at bus stands, use of inefficient buses and charging excessive fares.
Passengers said: “Thousands of travellers have to go through this problem every year but the administration has not been able to find a permanent solution to the problem.”
When contacted, the officials of the Regional Transport Authority said that two mobile squads were formed to stop the transporters from arbitrarily increasing the fares.
A complaint cell has also been established in the office of the transport secretary where the action is taken on citizens' complaints, they said.
1,100 wardens to perform
Eid duty
City Traffic Police Rawalpindi have issued a comprehensive plan regarding Eidul Fitr and more than 1,100 personnel will perform special duty.
A special plan has been formulated to prevent one-wheeling and for security at parks and tourist spots in Murree by deputing additional personnel.
Duty Officer Headquarters Amtaz Khan created an organised and comprehensive traffic plan to provide the best traffic facilities to the citizens during the Eidul Fitr holidays.
He said that for the convenience of the public and to maintain the flow of traffic in the city during the holidays, the holidays of all traffic staffs have been cancelled.
During the holidays, more than 1,100 officers and personnel will perform special duties. About 78 personnel have been deployed to prevent one-wheeling and car skating on Chand Raat and Eid.
More than 35 checking pickets have been set up at various places in Rawalpindi city and 7 special one-wheeling squads have also been formed which will be active against the boys involved in one-wheeling and car skating.
On Eidul Fitr, the traffic police will perform their duty diligently at mosques, Imambargahs, rush points, important highways, important cemeteries and other places where Eid prayers will be offered in Rawalpindi.
About 47 traffic police officers have also been posted at parks and fun lands etc. About 260 officials have been deployed in Murree, a recreational and tourist destination, for the convenience of tourists and smooth flow of traffic.
Special checking posts will be established on all the entrances and exits to Murree. For the prevention of accidents and safe travel, only licenced drivers will be allowed to enter. The helmet rule will also be fully implemented. Public service vehicles will be allowed to enter Murree after having a full fitness certificate and special permit.
To make the festival of Eidul Fitr peaceful and happy, strict legal action will be taken keeping an eye on black glasses, unregistered, unspecified number plates and unnumbered vehicles and motorcycles.
CTO Rawalpindi Taimur Khan further said that on Eidul Fitr and every special day, these traffic police officers and youths will perform duty on the highways away from their homes and loved ones for your convenience so that you can spend your Eid with your loved ones.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 21st, 2023.
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