By: Shahazad Naveed
SWAT: Swat Deputy Commissioner, Mohibullah Khan Yousafzai, has decided to enforce new guidelines formulated in the supervision of the trade federation here on Thursday.
A high-level jirga of Mingora Rickshaw Union leaders and local administration officials was held in Swat to address issues related to rickshaw operations, law and order, and public convenience.
The jirga was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Swat, Mohibullah Khan Yousafzai, and supervised by Trade Federation President Abdul Rahim, with the participation of political, social, and community representatives.
The meeting was attended by committee members and officials from the district administration, during which several important decisions were taken. It was decided that strict action would be initiated against rickshaws operating with incomplete documents or those found to have been tampered with. The jirga also agreed to consult the provincial government regarding the future status of two-stroke rickshaws.
According to the decisions, no rickshaw driver will be allowed to operate without a valid driving license and complete excise documentation. The administration will also review rickshaws with engines exceeding 200cc and those carrying more passengers than permitted. Legal action will be taken against vehicles found in violation of approved engine capacity or seating arrangements.
The jirga further agreed that the remaining demands of rickshaw owners would be taken up in future sessions. It was decided that the committee and district administration would resolve all identified issues within one month, after which normal rickshaw operations would resume in the city.
Detailed discussions were also held on the overall situation in the district, including law and order and other important administrative and public matters.
The jirga was attended by Assistant Commissioner Babuzai, Traffic Magistrate Imran Ali Shah, DSP Saidu Sharif, SHO Saidu Sharif, regional leaders, and elders, including Khalid Mahmood, Khalil-ur-Rehman, Bakht Zeb, Spin Khan, Zia-ul-Haq, Jahanzeb, Omar Muhammad, Habibullah, Gul Rehman, and other notable figures.
Addressing the gathering, the Acting Deputy Commissioner of Swat stressed that the district administration would not tolerate any unrest and is utilising all available resources to ensure lasting peace across the district. He urged local elders and stakeholders to continue cooperating with the administration to make Swat a safer and more peaceful place.
