In a staggering display of lawlessness, the city of Peshawar finds itself in the throes of a transportation catastrophe as the number of illegal rickshaws spirals to an alarming 1.3 million.
The reckless proliferation of unregistered rickshaws has wreaked havoc on the city’s traffic infrastructure, extending beyond the confines of Peshawar to afflict neighboring provinces, including Charsadda, Swat, Mardan, Nowshera, and even Lahore. Astonishingly, a mere fraction of these rickshaws—approximately 30,000—are legally registered and authorized, exacerbating the chaos.
Multiple reports reveal a distressing pattern of rickshaws operating under the same number in different locations, further compounding the traffic predicament. The root cause of this surge in illegal rickshaws can be traced to escalating poverty levels, prompting individuals to invest in these means of transportation. With restrictions in place on the purchase of new rickshaws, people are resorting to acquiring registered vehicles from other districts and bringing them into Peshawar, perpetuating an unceasing rise in the number of illegal rickshaws.
Traffic Nightmare and Pedestrian Peril Amidst Uncontrolled Influx
The absence of adequate restrictions and regulatory oversight has led to a daily influx of hundreds of rickshaws being transported from other districts to Peshawar, saturating the city’s roadways and disrupting the once-functional traffic system. The streets have become a chaotic labyrinth of rickshaws, rendering it nearly impossible for pedestrians to navigate safely on foot.
This burgeoning crisis not only poses significant challenges for commuters but also poses grave risks to the safety and well-being of pedestrians. Peshawar, once a bustling city with a vibrant pulse, now finds itself ensnared in the clutches of vehicular anarchy, crying out for urgent measures to restore order and safeguard the lives of its residents.
