Minister for Defnece, Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Tuesday said that his remarks about the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) were made with honesty and sincerity, asserting that no propaganda or vested interests could weaken the historic and emotional bond between Pakistan and Kashmir.
“My remarks about the crisis in AJK were frank and honest, Alhamdolillah. Those who have sinister agendas may try to twist them but they cannot take Kashmir out of me or out from Pakistan or take Pakistan out of Kashmir,” he wrote on Transport fares cut by up to 18pc in Rawalpindi.
Transport fares in Rawalpindi have been reduced by 12 to 18 percent following a decrease in petroleum prices on the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
The district administration and Regional Transport Authority (RTA) have issued revised fare lists with immediate effect.
According to the RTA secretary, fares were recalculated at the tehsil level to pass on the benefit of reduced fuel prices to the public.
Under the new rates, fares for AC diesel transport have been reduced by 12 percent, while non-AC diesel and petrol-run public transport fares have been cut by 15 per cent. Goods transport fares have been reduced by 18 percent.
Officials said that a strict monitoring mechanism has been enforced to ensure implementation, with special teams conducting checks at bus stands, wagon terminals and routes.
During the ongoing campaign, 464 vehicles were inspected, 86 were fined and penalties amounting to Rs. 280,000.0 were imposed for violations.
The administration warned that overcharging would invite strict legal action, including fines and possible vehicle impounding, adding that daily inspections would continue to ensure compliance and provide relief to commuters.