09 November 2004	Tuesday	25 Ramazan 1425

PESHAWAR, Nov 8: Transport operators have threatened to go on strike in protest against what they call 'unnecessary' cordons and checking of commercial vehicles by customs personnel.

The Public Transport Owners Association, NWFP, met on Monday to voice concern over the 'illegal' road blockade by the customs squad "just for minting money". It was causing inconvenience to drivers and passengers, said a press release.

The meeting was told that the customs squad had been violating official directives, referring to the CBR chairman who had ordered the customs squad not to harass and disturb passengers and the public transport drivers.

The president of the association, Jahangir Khan Afridi, said the customs squad had erected a barricade at Jahangirabad last week.

The customs squad was checking the public transport and extorting bribe from drivers in the name of 'Eidi'. Such vehicles were impounded by the customs team whose drivers had refused to give them money, the press release said.

The association leaders warned that they would observe a wheel-jam strike if the authorities did not stop their 'illegal checking and nakabandi'.