Long-distance journeys from Booni to Peshawar, Islamabad and other cities should be scheduled in a way that allows passengers to reach their destinations during daylight hours.
Booni, Jan 28, 2026: The district administration of Upper Chitral has decided to initiate a consultative process with the Transport Union to review and fix transport fares in view of ongoing fluctuations in petroleum prices.
The decision is aimed to strike a balance between public convenience and the sustainability of transport services.
This decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Assistant Commissioner Headquarters Adnan Haider Maluki, which was attended by other officials of the district administration and representatives of the Transport Union.
During the meeting, participants reviewed the existing fare structure and discussed the financial challenges faced by transporters due to changing fuel prices, as well as public complaints regarding overcharging.
It was agreed that rather than making an immediate decision, both the district administration and the Transport Union would conduct detailed homework and hold structured consultations to develop a comprehensive and mutually acceptable fare fixation mechanism.
The consultative process will determine whether fares need to be increased or reduced, keeping in view economic realities while safeguarding the interests of commuters. Both sides agreed that a final and revised fare list would be notified after consultations, likely by next Monday.
The assistant commissioner said that transporters must ensure safe and passenger-friendly travel, particularly during the winter season. He directed that long-distance journeys from Booni to Peshawar, Islamabad and other cities should be scheduled in a way that allows passengers to reach their destinations during daylight hours.
He also said that passengers should be provided accommodation at government-approved rates and that meal stops should be made at clean and affordable hotels.
The meeting also discussed complaints regarding arbitrary fare collection by rickshaw drivers in Upper Chitral. It was agreed that rickshaw fares would also be fixed through consultation in a subsequent meeting, and strict action would be taken against drivers violating the approved fare structure.
