The driver had attempted to commit suicide for he was tired of being asked for bribes by the police. PHOTO: FILE
Irshad Khan, a driver, attempted self-immolation at a main square in Swabi over multiple traffic charge-sheets issued to him by the police on Wednesday. Irshad was saved by pedestrians soon after he poured petrol on himself and lit a match.
He told journalists the traffic police officer issues him a charge sheet everyday as he picks up passengers from the main vehicle stand of Swabi and transports them to Buner.
On Tuesday, the officer on duty stopped him and asked for Rs150. When Khan refused to pay him, the officer started thrashing him. This was the second time he had been asked for money that day. Irshad had paid Rs4,000 in August and was sick of paying the police more money, which is why he attempted suicide.
According to a member of the Transportation Association in Swabi, police officials are instructed to collect Rs8,000 each day, which is why they keep issuing charge-sheets to drivers multiple times. Police official Noorul Amin refrained from commenting on the issue, saying he was unaware of the incident.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 22nd, 2013.
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