RAWALPINDI: Special traffic police squads have been established in Murree to check transporters charging excessive fares from tourists and others and to take action against those responsible. Likewise, the City Traffic Police Rawalpindi has taken action against 1191 vehicles and drivers for carrying more passengers and 463 vehicles and drivers for charging more than the prescribed fare during last one month.
Chief Traffic Officer Murree Munir Ahmed Hashmi on Wednesday visited New Murree Patriata Bazaar and transport hubs, directed strict action against illegal parking and charging of excessive fare, reviewed the traffic flow, parking arrangements and facilities provided to passengers. During his visit, Chief Traffic Officer Murree took notice of the obstructions in the traffic flow due to wrong parking in New Murree Patriata Bazaar and gave a special briefing to the traffic wardens on duty.
He directed that indiscriminate action should be taken against wrong parking and the traffic flow should be ensured on all important highways including the bazaar.
On his instructions, the wrongly parked vehicles were removed and the traffic flow was restored. Later, Chief Traffic Officer Murree visited the bus bay where he met passengers and inquired about the travel facilities.
During the meeting, a passenger complained about being charged extra fare, on which Chief Traffic Officer Murree took immediate notice and got the excess fare refunded to the passenger.
Chief Traffic Officer Murree Munir Ahmed Hashmi said that charging excessive fares from tourists and citizens will not be tolerated under any circumstances and all possible steps will be taken to protect the rights of the public.
He also issued orders to form a special squad for effective action against overcharging of fare in Murree.
This special squad will conduct surprise checks at various transport hubs, bus stands and important locations and take strict action against transporters overcharging fares.
Chief Traffic Officer Murree directed the transporters to ensure that fixed fares are charged and behave towards passengers.
He appealed to the citizens and tourists to immediately contact the City Traffic Police Murree in case of overcharging of fares or other travel complaints so that timely legal action can be taken.
Meanwhile, Following the directives of CPO Rawalpindi Syed Khalid Mahmood Hamdani and the instructions of Chief Traffic Officer Rawalpindi Farhan Aslam, Rawalpindi Traffic Police has taken action against those transporters who overloaded and overcharged passengers during last month.
The City Traffic Police had taken action against 1,191 vehicles and drivers for carrying more passengers and 463 vehicles and drivers for charging more than the prescribed fare.
Four driving licenses were suspended and one FIR was registered for negligent and careless driving and 23 vehicles were also impounded.
On this occasion, Chief Traffic Officer Rawalpindi Farhan Aslam said that in view of the Eidul Azha last month, action was taken against those who overcharged and overloaded.
Before taking action, drivers, including vehicle owners, were made aware of road safety and traffic rules and prior warnings were also issued.
He further said that public service drivers have a heavy responsibility for the lives and property of passengers.
Published in Dawn, June 4th, 2026