KP waives transport taxes for one month to lower passenger fares

PESHAWAR: The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to waive schedule tax and stand tax for the transport sector for one month as part of measures aimed at easing the burden on passengers amid concerns over high fares.

The decision was taken at a video-link meeting chaired by Commissioner Peshawar Division and Chairman Regional Transport Authority Riaz Khan Mehsud. The meeting was attended by deputy commissioners from all five districts of Peshawar Division — Peshawar, Nowshera, Charsadda, Mohmand Tribal District and Khyber District — along with the secretary of the Regional Transport Authority.

During the meeting, participants carried out a detailed review of the relief package announced by the provincial government for the transport sector. Under government directives, both schedule tax and stand tax have been removed for one month in all districts.

Authorities also directed transporters to transfer the full benefit of the tax waiver to commuters by reducing fares accordingly. The move is intended to ensure that passengers receive direct relief rather than the concession remaining limited to transport operators.

Monitoring orders issued

Riaz Khan Mehsud issued instructions for strict monitoring of fares and ordered the deployment of three assistant commissioners in each district to check fares at transport stands and on major highways. He also directed all deputy commissioners to personally oversee field operations to stop overcharging.

Transporters were further instructed to prominently display the officially approved government fare list on the front of every vehicle so that passengers can easily see the fixed rates.

The meeting was held in the backdrop of the commissioner’s recent visit to passenger terminals, GT Road and the motorway in Peshawar. According to the details discussed in the meeting, the main purpose of the exercise is to ensure that fare reductions are implemented in a uniform manner across all districts and that the public receives maximum possible relief.

The provincial administration’s latest step links tax relief for the transport sector directly with fare enforcement, with district administrations being tasked to monitor compliance on the ground. Officials at the meeting reviewed implementation arrangements district by district and stressed that the reduction in fares should be visible to passengers using public transport services.

The government’s instructions also place responsibility on local administrations to maintain checks at key transport points, including bus stands and major road routes, to make sure the official fare structure is followed during the one-month relief period.