TAXILA: In a heart-wrenching incident that left onlookers shaken, a poverty-stricken rickshaw driver set his only source of livelihood on fire in broad daylight at a busy intersection in Attock city, allegedly after being repeatedly fined by traffic police.

Syed Zakir, the owner of the rickshaw, told the media that he had parked his vehicle on the roadside near Committee Chowk and was waiting for passengers when a traffic warden issued him a ticket.

He said he objected to what he termed an unnecessary action and informed the warden that he had committed no violation. Zakir alleged that traffic officials posted in the area frequently targeted him with challans, making it difficult for him to meet vehicle maintenance expenses. He said the repeated fines forced him to set his rickshaw on fire. He demanded departmental action against the warden for allegedly misusing his authority.

He added that inflation had already worsened his life, particularly with Eid approaching, and termed the repeated fines unjustified and cruel.

The shocking scene soon went viral as passersby watched in disbelief while flames engulfed the three-wheeler. Within minutes, the rickshaw was reduced to a twisted pile of metal and ash. Eyewitnesses said the driver appeared emotionally shattered and told people he could no longer bear the burden of continuous challans. Rescue officials extinguished the fire, but the vehicle was completely destroyed.

Social activist Raza Naqvi said the incident reflected a gap between policy and practice. However, a traffic police spokesperson said the patrol officer had merely asked the driver to remove the vehicle from the main road, after which he set it on fire.

Published in Dawn, March 1st, 2026