PESHAWAR: Three security guards of Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) sustained severe injuries as they tried to stop an ‘angry mob’ trying to enter the BRT corridor.
As per details, a number of people were seen creating a mess at stations, routes and buses and many demanded a proper security system to protect the expensive structure.
A group of people celebrating Independence Day were seen attacking security guards of the BRT. The guards were thrashed and tortured after they probably tried to stop the group of people from creating the mess.
Scores of people looked on as the guards were being roughed up while a few rushed to rescue them. Superintendent of Police, City, Waqar Kharal said the videos were being examined to identify the attackers. The officials concerned were in contact with security in-charge, Waqar Kharal added.
He further said that two of those, who attacked BRT guards, have been identified and apprehended. The official said a case has been registered and the rest of the accused would be identified and arrested soon.
Senior Superintendent of Police Mansoor Aman and Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ali Asghar visited various stations of the BRT after reports of attacks and mismanagement.
They asked the officials to upgrade security to prevent damage to the structure. An official statement late Friday said there have been incidents recorded at multiple stations and buses since yesterday.
کل سے بی آر ٹی کے مختلف سٹیشنوں اور بسوں میں توڑ پهوڑ اور ہنگامہ آرائیوں کے واقعات رپورٹ ہو رہے ہیں. ہم آپ کو بتانا چاہتے ہیں بی آر ٹی سروس کو عوام کی سہولت کے لئے بنایا گیا ہے اور ہم لمحہ بہ لمحہ سب چیزوں کی نگرانی کر رہے ہیں. 1/2#ZuPeshawarBRT #BRTPeshawar
— TransPeshawar (@TransPeshawar) August 14, 2020
“We are monitoring every minute of the service and shall inform everyone that ZU Peshawar services are designed to cater to transport needs for the public.
In coordination with the security forces, we will take strict action against the culprits and wrongdoers. Please take responsibility to protect this service and avoid any damage,” it said.
In coordination with the security forces, we will take strict action against the culprits and wrongdoers. Please take responsibility to protect this service and avoid any damages.#ZuPeshawarBRT #PeshawarBRT https://t.co/tPR7jnVBW4
— TransPeshawar (@TransPeshawar) August 14, 2020
The footage of different stations showed how the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Covid-19 as well as security protocols at stations and on routes of the buses were violated by a large number of people. Most of the violators were the youth, who were out in droves, to celebrate the Independence Day.
Prime Minister Imran Khan had inaugurated the BRT project on Thursday. While inaugurating the project, PM Imran had said while he had reservations about it earlier, former chief minister KP Pervaiz Khattak ultimately allayed his concerns.
“A good transport system benefits everyone,” said the prime minister, hoping that the system will reduce commute cost for daily travellers.
وزیراعظم عمران خان @ImranKhanPTI بی آر ٹی کی افتتاحی تقریب سے خطاب.
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#ZuPeshawarBRT pic.twitter.com/FVtzu8ryJa— PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (@PTIKPOfficial) August 13, 2020