I HAD an opportunity to work at Senate as an intern. It was an excellent experience. But despite the honour I have of working at the highest forum the country, I am extremely disappointed on its transport system.

I used Senate’s transport for a period of four to six months. The drivers and officers commuting through the van showed great reluctance and had a very unwelcoming attitude.

They used all tactics they could to stop me from using the transport. For example, I was asked to pay despite the Senate chairman’s orders that no intern should be charged for transportation.

I was warned that cash would be deducted from my salary without realising the fact that I lived in an area far from the office and it would have been impossible for me to travel all the way to the Senate from my home.

It was only through repeated orders of the deputy secretary and some other members of the staff that the driver allowed me to use the transport. But mental stress and the agony I faced during that time cannot be described.

The authorities concerned should look into this issue and keep a check on the lower staff.

Maryam Altaf

Rawalpindi

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2017