RAWALPINDI: The fares for inter-city and local public transport were reduced by 10pc on Tuesday on the orders of the commissioner, as authorities mobilised the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) to penalise transporters if they failed with comply with new fares.

In a meeting, Rawalpindi DC Dr Hasan Waqar Cheema directed transporters to reduce their fares by 10pc in the wake of a significant decrease in petroleum prices and display lists comparing old and new fares at their respective bus stands.

The DC directed the representatives of Rawalpindi Goods Forwarding Agencies to reduce fares by 10pc of all types of loading vehicles to pass on the benefit. He also directed the RTA secretary to ensure the implementation of reduced fares and take stern legal action against the offenders.

RTA Secretary Rashid Ali also presented an analysis of the existing and current transport fares and how they align with the cost structure, taking into account fuel prices, maintenance, and other operational expenses.

Commissioner seeks proposal to set up a vegetable market in Rawalpindi

On the other hand, Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chattha asked the deputy commissioner to identify a suitable place by next week to set up a vegetable market in Rawalpindi.

He expressed these views while presiding over a meeting held at the Commissioner’s Office.

Instead of buying fruits and vegetables from Islamabad Mandi at “high rates”, the prices can be better regulated by setting up a market in the city. He directed the deputy commissioners of four districts to compare their rate list with the rate list of other divisions. He asked the authorities to rationalise the prices and mobilise magistrates for the enforcement of new rates.

The commissioner further said that for the convenience of price magistrates, the Special Branch and Urban Unit will identify the places after the market survey where the prices have deviated from the fixed rate so that the district administration can take action against them.

In response to the complaints about the price of flour, the commissioner directed an urgent meeting with the Flour Mills Association to ensure the availability of flour in every market at fixed rates.

Liaquat Ali Chattha directed that in order to make this campaign more effective and efficient, steps should be taken to address inflation in collaboration with all stakeholders, including traders, flour mills association and grocery merchants.

The deputy commissioners should immediately hold a meeting with the transport unions as well and ensure that the benefit of the price cut of petroleum products should be passed on to the general public directly, he said, adding that a special squad should be formed to monitor fares on a daily basis.

A complaint cell has been set up immediately in compliance with these instructions where citizens can contact 9270011-051 for any such complaint.

While updating the chair regarding price monitoring mechanisms, it was informed that 725 violations were reported during a total of 764 raids in the Rawalpindi district from October 1 till now. A fine of Rs1.6 million was imposed on violators, 18 people were arrested, two FIRs were registered and two buildings were also sealed.

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2023