The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information and Transport, Mian Iftikhar Hussain has said the provincial government has agreed in principle to provide route permits to all registered rikshaws plying in Peshawar. Before taking any action in this respect, the minister granted one week  time to the rikshaw union to consult their community.

The decision to this effect was taken in a high level meeting held in the Commissioner House Peshawar on Wednesday. The meeting beside others was also attended by the Commissioner Peshawar, Tariq Jameel, Secretary Transport Sikandar Qayum, SSP Peshawar Yameen Khan, authorities concerned of the Transport and Excise & Taxation Departments and representatives of the rikshaw union.

The meeting on this occasion also reviewed affairs of passenger buses, mini buses, suzukis and Quinchis Rikshaws and decided that representatives of all transport unions would be called and informed about the steps being taken by the government for improvement of traffic system.

The Transport Minister made it clear to the representatives of rikshaws union that in keeping with the decision of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, no rikshaw having 2-stroke engine would be allowed on the roads. He directed them to convert their 2-stroke into 4-stroke engine at the earliest otherwise stern action would be taken in this regard. Similarly, rikshaws having registration of other districts would be sent to their respective districts, he said.

Mian Iftikhar on this occasion disclosed that a crackdown would soon be started against all illegal rikshaws and other vehicles. He said that the government would rectify the traffic problems at any cost in the provincial metropolis adding that no pressure would be accepted in this respect. He told the rikshaw union that no further extension would be given after lapse of one week time adding that the government would be justified in taking action after the said period.