BAHAWALNAGAR:
Allegations of corruption, harassment and abuse of authority have surfaced against certain traffic police officials in Bahawalnagar district, seriously undermining public confidence and creating widespread concern among citizens.
Residents claim that large illegal amounts are being demanded for issuing driving licenses instead of official fees. According to the complaints, amounts of up to Rs 6,000 are allegedly charged for motorcycle and car licences, while Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 are demanded for LTV licenses without receipts or legal documentation.
Citizens also complain that traffic staff at major intersections often resort to foul language, threats and intimidation, while imposing large fines without giving clear reasons or issuing proper demands.
Many claim discriminatory enforcement, claiming that motorcyclists, rickshaw drivers and owners of small vehicles are mostly cracked down on, while drivers of expensive vehicles are rarely stopped. Owais Aslam, a resident of Manchanabad Chowk, alleged that after missing a signal due to traffic jams, he was verbally abused by officials.
He further claimed that a traffic officer, identified as Ubaidullah, later impounded his motorcycle after threatening him with an FIR.
The motorcycle was returned two days later.
Another citizen, Rizwan, claimed that despite having complete documents, he was detained for nearly two hours and asked to pay a fine of Rs 10,000. without justification.
Other residents, including Alam Ali and Altaf, claimed that vehicles are being impounded for “illegal parking” even where no designated parking facilities exist, with cash allegedly collected on the spot instead of issuing demands.
Citizens and civil society representatives say written complaints were submitted to DSP Traffic and DPO Bahawalnagar, but no visible departmental action has been taken so far, raising questions about accountability.
