Rickshaw driver sets vehicle ablaze in protest over repeated traffic stops in Attock

ATTOCK: A rickshaw driver in Attock set his own vehicle on fire in the middle of a busy road on Friday afternoon, reportedly out of frustration over what he described as constant traffic stops by local authorities.

The dramatic incident occurred near the city’s main commercial area, where witnesses said the driver, identified as 38-year-old Muhammad Arif, poured fuel over his three-wheeler and ignited it after being stopped yet again for a routine document check.

Eyewitnesses reported that Arif had been pulled over multiple times in recent weeks for alleged minor infractions, including incomplete paperwork and route violations. On Friday, after another stop by traffic wardens, he allegedly began arguing with officials before driving a short distance away, parking in the middle of the road, and setting the vehicle ablaze.

Thick black smoke quickly filled the area, causing panic among nearby shopkeepers and commuters. Traffic came to a standstill as bystanders rushed to move away from the burning rickshaw. Rescue personnel and firefighters arrived within minutes and managed to extinguish the flames, but the vehicle was completely destroyed.

“I’ve seen him stopped many times before,” said one shopkeeper who asked not to be named. “He kept saying he couldn’t earn enough to feed his family because of fines and repeated checks.”

Officials from the local traffic police stated that the driver had been stopped for valid reasons and denied any harassment. “Routine inspections are part of maintaining road safety,” a spokesperson said. “We regret the unfortunate incident, but the law applies equally to everyone.”

No injuries were reported, though authorities confirmed that an inquiry has been initiated into the circumstances surrounding the repeated stops and the driver’s actions. Arif was briefly detained for questioning and may face charges related to public endangerment and destruction of property.

The incident has sparked debate in Pakistan about the financial pressures faced by daily wage earners and the enforcement practices of traffic authorities. Local community leaders have called for dialogue between transport workers and officials to prevent similar outbursts in the future.

As of late Friday evening, the charred remains of the rickshaw had been removed, and traffic flow in the area was restored.