Daily Times

LAHORE: A massive rush of people was observed on various exit points of the city on Saturday, as people started moving to their native cities in order to celebrate Eidul Fitr with their loved ones. The government has announced five holidays (July 5-9) for the festive occasion.

Bus stands, railway stations and other exit points of the city witnessed a rush of people loaded with luggage and trying for tickets. The ratio of passengers remained high as per routine at Niazi Adda, Lorry Adda, Daewoo, Thokar Niaz Baig By-pass, Lahore Railway Station and other exit points, as it was the last Saturday before Eid. Passengers were seen waiting in long queues in order to get the tickets on time.

Security measures on the occasion lacked efficiency and were far from satisfactory, as the transporters were personally checking the luggage of passengers before taking them on board. Some passengers complained that the transporters were overcharging at some bus stands, especially at the exit points of the city like Thokar Niaz Baig By-pass.

Eid celebration is incomplete without family members, especially children. I am going back to my native city along with gifts especially purchased for them,” an excited passenger expressed his feeling to this scribe.

DCO Lahore spokesman Imran Maqbool, while talking to Daily Times, said that the City District Government Limited (CDGL) has already formed eight inspection teams to curb overcharging, adding that these inspection teams have been constituted under the supervision of Lahore RTO Secretary Ghayasul Din on the direction of the DCO. He said that the DCO has ordered the RTA secretary and Lorry Adda administrator to check the fares and availability of buses, adding that CDGL would deal strictly with those transporters who were involved in overcharging.