LAHORE, July 7: Around 39 rickshaws fitted with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) kits have been impounded in the city during the last one week under a campaign launched on the directive of Punjab Transport Minister Rana Shamshad Ahmed Khan.

Besides, around 40 rickshaws emitting excessive smoke were challaned during the period. A transport department spokesman said on Wednesday that 119 drivers had been booked for operating rickshaws without route permits and fitness certificates and using LPG fuel.

He said the campaign had been launched because the drivers were continuing the use of LPG for operating rickshaws despite the imposition of a ban by the government. The use of LPG in rickshaws had been banned because it was not only harmful for health but could also cause fatal accidents.

RALLY: Rickshaw drivers on Wednesday staged a rally in front of the provincial transport minister's office on Egerton Road to protest against prosecutions for operating rickshaws on the banned liquefied petroleum gas and removal of LPG kit from their vehicles.

Later, the drivers drove their rickshaws to the Lahore Press Club and demonstrated there as well. Punjab Rickshaw Drivers Federation president Javed Sabir said that similar protest rallies would soon be organized in other cities of the province.