GUJRANWALA, March 16: The recent increase in POL prices has widely been condemned in Punjab. In Gujranwala, the chamber of commerce and industry and other organizations of traders have protested against the government for regularly raising the petroleum prices. At a meeting held here on Wednesday presided over by chamber president Asad Elahi, the participants said the periodical increase in POL prices had added to the miseries of the people.

They deplored that the government always watched the interest of the affluent and put the burden on the poor. Oil prices were reduced in foreign countries but the advisory committee had enhanced the POL prices without any justification.

They demanded that the recent increase in the petroleum prices should be withdrawn immediately. Former presidents of the chamber and office bearers of various organizations besides representatives of other segments of society were also present on the occasion.

SIALKOT: Transporters have raised fares up to 25 per cent on various routes in Sialkot district following another increase in POL prices. According to details, the transporters are charging Rs80 instead of Rs60 from Sialkot to Lahore, Rs50 instead of Rs35 from Daska to Sialkot, Rs30 instead of Rs24 from Sialkot to Gujranwala, Rs15 instead of Rs10 from Sialkot to Daska, Daska to Gujranwala, Sialkot to Sambrial, Daska to Sambrial and Sialkot to Pasrur.

Citizens Rights Forum chairman Dr Muneer Butt and others protested against the forcibly charging of the increased fares by transporters.

Some incidents of misbehaviour with female passengers over the fare issue by drivers and conductors were also reported in Sialkot, Daska, Sambrial, Uggoki, Pasrur and surrounding areas. The people alleged that the Sialkot district’s regional transport authority had miserably failed in checking the fares. Meanwhile, the people condemned the continuous increase in the POL prices.