Daily Times

RAWALPINDI:District Coordination Officer (DCO), City Police Officer (CPO) and City Traffic Officer (CTO) have completely failed to resolve the traffic issue of Rawalpindi despite the orders from Lahore High Court (LHC) Rawalpindi Bench for removal of encroachments and eradication of illegal parking from the city to ensure smooth sailing of traffic.

Due to the encroachments and illegal car parkings, which are made possible in connivance with the corrupt official of the TMAs, the traffic of the city has became a nightmare for the motorists as the traffic jam in the various parts of the city has became a routine matter.

LHC has issued the contempt notice to high-ups of the police and district administration on the matter in which the court has given the final deadline of December 23 for the removal of all encroachments.

On Eid-ul-Azha police and district administration had given free hand to the encroachers in the vicinities of Bara Market, Liaqat Road, Gunjmandi, Collage Road, Iqbal Road, Raja Bazar, Saddar, Bank Road, Kashmir Road, Commercial Market, Sadiqabad, Tench Bhatta , Shakriyal, Chungi No 22 and other parts of the city.

But after passage of one week no action was taken against the powerful encroachment mafia not only in above mentioned areas but also on the both sides of main artery of the city Murree Road from Chandni Chowk to Marrier Chowk,

Due to negligence of traffic wardens the exit and entry of heavy loaders and trucks in the city without any check is creating hurdles in flow of traffic. The traffic police instead maintaining the freely movement of traffic, have limited to only taking action against the motorcyclists on not wearing helmet.

Due to mysterious silence of police and TMA, the electronic appliances dealers have confiscated the footpaths and some portion of the road shoulders at Naz Cinema. Similarly the car showroom dealers have controlled the major portion of the road on the area between 6th Road and Shamsabad. Likewise, motorcycle dealers and mechanics and furniture traders have become in charge of the road side on Waris Khan, Teli Mohallah and Committee Chowk.

Due to mismanagement by the TMA and negligence of the traffic wardens, the worst traffic jam from Benazir Hospital to Marrier Chowk remains almost whole day.

It is the need of hour that training of wardens on scientific grounds and firing of those corrupt official from TMA who either take bribe from the encroachers or allow them violations on political backing is necessary to maintain the flow of traffic in Rawalpindi.

Driving License Testing incharge directed not to compromise on merit: Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Rawalpindi Senior Superintendent Police (SSP) Dr Sardar Ghias Gul on Monday directed the Driving License Testing Incharge not to compromise on merit and transparency for issuance of driving license.

Talking to APP, the CTO informed the driving tests of the applicants are being taken in accordance with the law and the license is only issued to those who pass driving and traffic signs tests.

He said that testing system for the applicants has been made strict and no negligence on part of Police officials would be tolerated. “I am supervising the practical driving test on daily basis”, he said, adding the licenses are being issued under a transparent procedure.

He said the citizens should directly contact the licensing branch of the traffic police and get all required information in this regard so that they do not face any difficulty for issuance of driving license.

In case of any difficulty, they can contact CTP’s helpline 1915 and 051-9272616. The applicant has to visit the driving license office in CTP Headquarters.