(Publish from Houston Texas USA)
(By Zafar Chishti, Bureau Chief Punjab Pakistan)
Transporters Overcharging Fares Ensures Relief for Eid Travelers Across Punjab
On the festive occasion of Eid, the Punjab government has launched a strict crackdown against transporters involved in overcharging passengers traveling to their hometowns. Provincial Minister for Transport and Mass Transit, Bilal Akbar Khan, has been actively visiting bus terminals in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad to monitor the situation.
Despite unfavorable weather conditions, the minister remained in the field for several hours, conducting inspections alongside officials of the Transport and Mass Transit Department. During these visits, he directly interacted with passengers, inquired about fare charges, and took immediate action on complaints by imposing heavy fines on transporters found overcharging.
According to official reports, over the past two weeks, more than 750 vehicles have been impounded, and fines exceeding Rs. 9.1 million have been imposed. Additionally, around Rs. 1 million collected as excess fares has been refunded to more than 8,000 passengers.
Passengers expressed satisfaction over the refunds and appreciated the government’s timely intervention. The minister also reviewed facilities at bus terminals and directed officials to remain vigilant and ensure strict enforcement of fare regulations.
He emphasized that strict action would be taken against transporters who overcharge or fail to display official fare lists prominently on their vehicles. Furthermore, he warned that overloading and allowing passengers to travel on bus rooftops will not be tolerated.
In his statement, Bilal Akbar Khan reiterated that Transport Department teams are active across Punjab and that overcharging will not be allowed under any circumstances during Eid. He also urged the public to avoid paying excessive fares and to report violations to the authorities.
The government has made it clear that monitoring will continue during Eid and beyond, and those involved in illegal practices should be prepared to face strict legal action.
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