PESHAWAR: The local transporters have complained against what they call collection of illegal taxes at various bus stands in the province.

Addressing a press conference at Peshawar Press Club on Monday, Insaf Public Transport Owners Association (IPTOA) president Ziaur Rahman urged the provincial government to take action against the ‘transport mafia’ and ensure implementation of scheduled taxes.

He said that collection of illegal tax was injustice with the transporters.

He said that the issue was raised on several occasions with the authorities concerned but not to avail.

Mr Rahman said that the ‘transport mafia’ was collecting illegal taxes forcibly at bus stands in connivance with the police. He said that collection of illegal taxes was underway with no check from the authorities concerned.

Transporters say the practice affects commuters directly

Mr Rahman said that authorities were reluctant to take action against the influential group despite the clear directives of court.

He said that the practice was affecting the poor commuters directly. The government should take immediate notice of the matter to stop the illegal practice, he added.

Flanked by IPTOA vice president Mohammad Mudasir Khan, general secretary Tahir Ali Bangash, Haji Akhtar Gul and Syed Musarrat Shah, Mr Rahman urged the authorities concerned to stop collection of taxes at the entry point of the bus stand in Peshawar and ensure collection of only scheduled tax otherwise the transporters would have only option to increase fares.

Mr Rehman said that collection of the extra tax needed to be legalised by awarding contract to a particular firm so that no one could dare to exploit the people at gunpoint.

He said that Provincial Transport Authority (PTA) and other relevant departments should collect all taxes at various bus stands till awarding fresh contract to any firm to discourage the influential mafia.

The association president urged Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chairman Imran Khan and Chief Minister Pervez Khattak to issue directives regarding collection of taxes at entry point of bus stands in provincial capital by following the decision of Peshawar High Court.

Mr Rahman said that provincial government timely reaction against transport mafia would provide relief to commuters and transporters. He also supported the ongoing drive against encroachment in the provincial capital.

Published in Dawn, March 31st, 2015

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