DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Adviser to the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Local Government, Communications and Works, Transport, Agriculture and Housing Asif Rafiq has directed the relevant authorities to prepare comprehensive proposals for reforming the province’s public transport system, with a focus on improving passenger facilities, regulating fares, organising bus terminals and controlling vehicular emissions.
Chairing a review meeting in Peshawar on Friday, the adviser stressed the need for practical measures to make public transport safer, more efficient, transparent and environmentally friendly.
He directed the concerned departments and institutions to submit actionable proposals and comprehensive plans at the earliest, emphasising that timely implementation of reforms was essential to modernising the transport sector and facilitating commuters.
The meeting reviewed the overall performance of transport-related institutions, ongoing projects and proposed reform initiatives. Officials were directed to submit detailed reports and workable recommendations on various aspects of the transport system.
Regarding bus terminal zoning, Mr Rafiq sought a comprehensive report on the existing arrangements across the province, relevant legal and regulatory requirements and proposed action plans of all Regional Transport Authorities (RTAs).
He also directed the authorities to rationalise public transport fares and ensure their effective implementation across the province.
On the proposed relocation of bus stands in Peshawar to the new General Bus Stand, the adviser instructed the relevant authorities to prepare a detailed case covering the terminal’s current status, legal requirements and other necessary arrangements.
He also sought proposals for restructuring the Provincial Transport Authority (PTA) and RTAs to strengthen their institutional capacity and improve operational efficiency.
On vehicle fitness and environmental pollution, Mr Rafiq directed the Transport Department to develop a workable model under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework, on the pattern of Punjab, to improve the Motor Vehicle Examiner (MVE) and Vehicle Emission Testing Station (VETS) systems.
He said an effective mechanism for monitoring vehicle fitness and emissions would help improve air quality and protect commuters and the general public from the harmful effects of air pollution.
The adviser called for an effective regulatory and monitoring framework to control vehicular emissions and directed the authorities to submit a comprehensive implementation plan without delay.
Emphasising transparency and the elimination of corruption in the transport sector, he stressed the need for comprehensive digitisation, cashless payment systems and reduced human intervention in official procedures.
He said the use of modern technology would strengthen accountability and transparency while improving the delivery of public services.
Mr Rafiq directed the relevant authorities to ensure tangible progress on all proposed reforms within the stipulated timelines, reiterating that the government’s objective was to establish a modern, well-organised, safe and environment-friendly public transport system across the province.
