ICT catches 10 touts at public offices

Arrested suspects allegedly extorted money from citizens under various pretexts

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad district administration has ramped up efforts to combat illegal activities outside government offices in the federal capital and arrested 10 suspects accused of exploiting citizens and vehicles in violation of excise laws.

In an operation led by the Assistant Commissioner of the Industrial Area, 10 touts were apprehended outside the excise department. These individuals were reportedly extorting money from citizens under the pretence of facilitating their work.

This crackdown follows multiple complaints from citizens who reported being harassed and overcharged by these agents. Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon emphasised that exploitation of citizens seeking government services would not be tolerated, calling for similar actions outside all government offices.

Simultaneously, the Excise and Taxation Department launched a major operation targeting vehicles violating excise laws, such as using unauthorised number plates, black-tinted windows, and police revolving lights, as well as those failing to pay the required token tax.

Today's operation resulted in action against 66 vehicles with black-tinted windows and 99 vehicles with improper registration numbers. The registration of 53 vehicles was suspended due to legal violations, and police lights were removed from three unauthorised vehicles. Additionally, token tax was collected from 200 vehicles, with fines imposed on defaulters.

Director of Excise and Taxation, Bilal Azam, urged citizens to voluntarily comply with the law by removing non-standard number plates, and black-tinted windows, and avoiding the use of high-intensity discharge (HID) lights in public vehicles. He also advised vehicle owners to promptly pay outstanding token taxes and ensure proper registration.

The excise department remains committed to enforcing compliance with excise laws in Islamabad