THIS refers to the news item that the National Logistics Cell has started collecting toll tax on the newly-constructed ring road in Lahore (March 9).

According to the statement by Lahore Commissioner Jawad Rafique Malik, who holds the additional charge of director of the ring road project, initially Rs10 will be charged from a car and Rs25 from a wagon.

In every civilised country, projects like roads, bridges, water supply, etc, are meant for the welfare of citizens of that country.

In order to facilitate them by providing best possible civic amenities and infrastructure, they are executed utilising the revenue collected from the tax of the citizens, but unfortunately in our country the case is contrary to it.

Whenever a new road or a bridge is built, a very heavy toll tax is imposed without considering its impact on the people.

During the chief ministership of Chaudhry Pervaiz Ilahi the toll tax at Saggian bridge was abolished after almost more than a decade when the cost of construction of this bridge had been recovered a long time ago.

On the other hand, a very heavy toll tax was imposed and is still being collected at various points on the BOT, Lahore-Sheikhupura-Faisalabad Road, and is increased every year, though the cost of construction of this road must have been recovered by now.

The prime minister very generously met the demand of the people of Shadhra and announced the abolition of toll tax on the Ravi river after decades but, in return, the toll tax has been imposed on the ring road.

The overall impact of this new toll tax will directly affect the poor as without second thoughts the mini - wagon owners will increase the fare which will have a direct impact on the labour class.

The project director of the ring road has justified the collection of the toll tax by stating that charging a nominal toll tax from commuters will make them pay tax to the government.

The project director further said: “We may increase the toll tax with the passage of time”. If the toll tax is increased, the axe will fall on the poor of the country.

I request the authorities concerned to immediately abolish this new tax. If they feel it is necessary, then they should apply this toll tax on the cars of elites, those travelling in Pajeros, Land Rovers, BMWs, etc.

AAMIR AQIL Lahore