Tag: fines

  • Karachi wholesale grocers announce market shutdown in protest against alleged illegal raids, fines

    Karachi wholesale grocers announce market shutdown in protest against alleged illegal raids, fines

    Wholesalers in Karachi are set to stage a market shutdown on Monday in protest of what they consider unlawful raids and penalties imposed by the district administration in an effort to combat hoarding.

    According to ARY News, Rauf Ibrahim, the Chairman of the Karachi Wholesale Grocers Association (KWGA), held a press conference today, expressing concern that the district administration’s actions have created fear among traders due to shop and go-down closures. 

    He cautioned that they would cease operations at wholesale markets on Monday unless the district administration unseals these establishments. He said if these unjust raids and fines persist, we will suspend commodity markets on Monday.

    Ibrahim alleged that the district administration is sealing shops and go-downs under the pretext of cracking down on hoarding. He cited an instance where a shop owner in Joria Bazar was fined Rs30,000 for storing just two sacks of sugar.

    He criticised the categorisation of wholesalers with 100 to 500 sacks of sugar as hoarders and stressed that traders are willing to cooperate with authorities during hoarding crackdowns.

    Ibrahim urged the administration to take decisive action against genuine hoarders.

    To combat hoarding, federal and provincial governments have initiated operations in various cities, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Quetta, and Dera Ismail Khan, resulting in the confiscation of illegally stockpiled sugar.

    Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) assured that there is an ample supply of sugar available at controlled prices nationwide.

  • OGRA proposes Rs10 million fine for oil companies involved in illegal petroleum stocking and distribution

    OGRA proposes Rs10 million fine for oil companies involved in illegal petroleum stocking and distribution

    The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has recommended severe penalties for those involved in the illegal storage, handling, and distribution of petroleum products in Pakistan. OGRA has proposed amendments to Sections 285-B and 285-C of the Pakistan Penal Code to address this issue.

    According to OGRA’s proposal to the Cabinet Division, individuals or oil marketing companies found guilty of unauthorised storage and handling of petroleum for the purpose of sale, resale, transport, or distribution to consumers could face up to ten years in prison or a fine of up to Rs10 million. The regulatory body emphasises that such unauthorised activities have detrimental effects on society, particularly innocent individuals who may unknowingly be exposed to unsafe petroleum products.

    The proposed amendments aim to address the existing gaps in the legal framework related to the handling of explosive substances, fire or combustible materials, and machinery that can cause harm to human life and property damage. While Sections 285, 286, and 287 of the Pakistan Penal Code already deal with these issues, they do not specifically cover the illicit sale, distribution, production, storage, or handling of petroleum products.

    To rectify this, OGRA has recommended the insertion of Section-A 285-B and 285-C in the Pakistan Penal Code. These new sections would serve to safeguard human life and property by imposing strict penalties for unlicensed handling of petroleum products and explosive substances, as well as unauthorised manufacturing of machinery and equipment.

    The proposed amendments align with the constitutional provisions of Pakistan, which ensure that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property except in accordance with the law. By introducing these new measures, OGRA aims to deter illegal activities in the oil and gas sector, protect public safety, and maintain a regulated and lawful environment for the industry.

    The recommendations made by OGRA are now under consideration by the Cabinet Division. If approved and implemented, the proposed amendments would serve as a strong deterrent against the illegal handling and distribution of petroleum products, ensuring the safety and well-being of the Pakistani public.

  • 51 motorcycles seized in a crackdown against one-wheeling

    51 motorcycles seized in a crackdown against one-wheeling

    In a crackdown against alterations, one-wheeling, and missing documentation, the City Traffic Police (CTP) of Rawalpindi seized 51 motorcycles and issued challans to more than 170 motorcyclists.

    On the occasion of Independence Day, City Traffic Police Rawalpindi began taking action against one-wheelers under the direction of Chief Traffic Officer Naveed Irshad. Along with other crucial thoroughfares, the operation was carried out on Murree Road, Sixth Road, Peshawar Road, Mall Road, Jhelum Road, and old Airport Road, according to The News.

    Due to the strategic planning and coordination, no one-wheeling was permitted on any roadway, and thanks to the officers’ diligent work, no unpleasant occurrence happened. All circle in-charges were given a particular task.

    The Chief Traffic Officer stated that one-wheeling is a criminal violation and that those found guilty will be prosecuted. He declared that the traffic police would keep going after those accused of meddling with the lives of ordinary residents.

  • City Traffic Police Lahore to check overcharging, overloading by transporters on Eid

    City Traffic Police Lahore to check overcharging, overloading by transporters on Eid

    The Lahore Traffic Police have declared a crackdown on transport company owners who overcharge and overload passengers during the Eid holidays.

    According to Lahore’s Chief Traffic Officer (CTO), Muntazir Mehdi, thousands of people depart for their hometowns to celebrate Eid with their loved ones. It’s terrible that dishonest transportation owners take advantage of them, he says. Mehdi stated that police had developed a thorough plan to combat exploitation this year. He announced the deployment of at least 84 wardens at Lorry Adda, Badamibagh, Babu Sabu, Niazi Chowk, Thokar Niaz Beg, Shahdara Chowk, Begum Kot Chowk, Gajjumatta, and other key bus stations.

    The traffic police have also issued orders to transportation companies to display fare information prominently on their vehicles. Those who charge high rates to commuters deserve no concessions, according to the CTO, who directed all circle officers to speak with transporter owners in their respective zones. He announced the impoundment of vehicles found overcharging or overloading.

    Police is taking precautions against overcrowding to ensure safe travelling, according to Mehdi, who also stated that additional police officers have been stationed at the city’s entry and exit points. He asked people to phone Police Helpline 15 if they needed assistance or had a complaint. He also stated that people who overload their buses will face consequences.

    Read more: Shopkeepers fined in Islamabad for not adhering to DC rates

    The CTO stated that transportation owners and drivers are required to charge a fixed rate and display a fare list prominently on the vehicle. According to Mehdi, automobiles should be seized if their owners are proven to be overcharging and overloading. Traffic teams have been dispatched to ten locations to investigate overcharging and overloading.

  • Islamabad Traffic Police to take strict action against motorists using HIDs, LEDs

    Islamabad Traffic Police to take strict action against motorists using HIDs, LEDs

    The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has once again decided to take stern action against motorists who use High-Intensity Discharge (HID) and Light-Emitting Diodes (LED) while driving.

    As per the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Traffic, Rai Mazhar Iqbal, the decision was taken on the orders of IGP (Islamabad) Muhammad Ahsan Younis to provide a safe driving environment in the federal capital and reduce accidents.

    Special squads have been formed to monitor motorists’ use of LED and HID lights. Police pickets will be set up along major thoroughfares such as the Expressway, Srinagar highway (Kashmir Highway), Margalla Road, IJP Road, Murree Road, 7th Avenue, and 9th Avenue.

    This campaign will be led by night shift in-charges to prevent the use of high beam lights and LED/HID lights, while an education wing will inform the public about the dangers of using these lights.

    Read more: Lahore Police arrested 648 dacoits, recovering more than Rs27 crore in three months

    Special broadcasts on ITP’s dedicated FM Radio 92.4 will also educate drivers about the dangers of utilising these lights. The SSP Traffic has urged citizens to help Islamabad police to ensure a safe road environment.

  • WASA to initiate a crackdown on service stations in Lahore that waste water

    The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has taken note of the car wash facilities in Lahore that are wasting water and will penalize those responsible.

    The Managing Director (MD) of WASA, M. Tanveer summoned a meeting of key personnel, who organized units to conduct a crackdown operation. The teams would comprise officials from the operations and revenue departments who will provide the Managing Director with a daily status report.

    Tanveer called for immediate action against vehicular washing facilities that do not have a water recycling facility.

    Car wash stations will be given a warning at first and will face severe consequences if they do not install a recycling plant.

    According to a recent high court appeal, service stations consume around 200 liters of water for a small car and 300 liters for a bigger vehicle.

    WASA instructed that service stations must recycle 70 per cent of the water they use, or they will be shut down. The authority will also impose hefty fines on anyone who tosses trash into drainpipes and sewer lines in order to avoid sewage from blocking.

  • Islamabad Traffic Police creates special squads to curb road stunts, one-wheeling

    Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has constituted special squads to prevent one-wheeling and road stunts in the federal capital.

    The special squads were created on the orders of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad, Muhammad Ahsan Younis to control one-wheeling, car racing, and rash driving, which endangers not only the offenders’ lives but also many other motorists.

    Various ITP units and special squads would conduct continuous patrolling operations at different spots of the metropolis, particularly on 7th Avenue, 9th Avenue, Margalla Road, Kashmir Highway, Islamabad Expressway, and Murree Road, and take action against motorists who engage in dangerous road stunts.

    The police officers and squads in these regions would maintain intensified watch, prohibiting young folks from being involved in dangerous actions.

    SSP Traffic, Rai Mazhar Iqbal stated that one-wheelers and rash drivers would face severe punishment. He urged parents to keep a close eye on their children and not allow them to play stunts on the roadways, endangering their lives.

    Read more: PIA prohibits pilots and cabin crew from fasting during Ramzan

    One-wheeler’s bikes will be seized, according to the SSP Traffic, while heavy fine tickets will also be issued to them.

  • From overspeeding to overloading: Here’s what you need to know before travelling on the motorway

    From overspeeding to overloading: Here’s what you need to know before travelling on the motorway

    Violating traffic rules on the motorway will cause a bigger dent on your pocket now, after the the Ministry of Communications revised the fines for traffic violators.

    Speeding will now cost you a fine of Rs1,500 if you’re on a motorcycle and Rs2,500 for a car. Public Service Vehicles, taxis, buses or even Careem and Uber, will have to pay Rs10,000 for speeding. If they drive more than 40km/h over the speed limit, the fines will be even higher.

    Violating traffic signals also costs more now. Jumping a red light will result in a fine of Rs 5,000. If you drive through a flashing red light, it’ll cost you Rs2,000 and driving through a flashing yellow light will cost you Rs1,000.

    If buses and coaches will have more passengers than the allowed number of people then it will be fined Rs5,000.

    Here is the list of some major fines:

    Rs,5000 for driving at night without proper lights.

    Rs1,500 for not wearing your seatbelt while driving.

    Rs500 for using your phone while driving.

    Rs1,500 for overtaking where it has been prohibited.

    Rs1,000 for driving out of your lane.

    Rs3,000 for disobeying stop signs.

    Rs5,000 for interfering with an emergency vehicle.

    Rs2,500 for driving on the wrong side of the road.

    Rs1,000 for following a vehicle too closely or cutting them off too sharply.

    Rs750 for driving with your rear screen partially or fully covered.

    Rs5,000 for one-wheeling.

    Rs1,000 for opening doors dangerously.