An armed man entered Peshawar BRT and shot a security guard. According to details, an unauthorized Mercedes W205 C180, entered the Peshawar BRT track near Peshawar Cantt, a guard van stopped him and in reaction the driver allegedly shot one of the guards, injuring him. The suspect then fled the scene. Earlier, he could be seen at a check post, holding gun and threatening the security personnel Here is the video:
Who is this guy entering the BRT line in his Merc, allegedly shooting one of the security guards when stopped and then leaving at the exit in what looks like a gun-point opening of the barrier? pic.twitter.com/sYLNQMRxmh
— Nizamuddin Khan (@salarzai_) June 20, 2023
However, the later reports mentioned that the culprit has been arrested by the police and is currently in jail. The main purpose of the suspect is not clear yet as police is holding an investigation. The injured guard is currently being treated at a nearby hospital. Peshawar BRT has been in news recently but not for good reasons.
Peshawar BRT Fiscal Problems
Earlier this month, we reported that Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) was at risk of closure as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government remained unable to clear over Rs. 500 million dues of the operating companies. BRT caters to around 300,000 commuters in the provincial capital on a daily basis.
Daewoo Pakistan operates the transit project along with privately-owned LMK Resources Pakistan, which is responsible for the intelligent transport system, fare collection, and station management. Both companies had taken up the issue with the provincial government, stating that the government owed them over Rs. 500 million. “The government company TransPeshawar had the required funds at its disposal, but political interference in its affairs is causing a delay in the payments,” the officials told media.
Station Management Company’s Dues
Meanwhile, the Station Management Company of BRT also wrote a letter to the chief minister for clearance of dues. The media reports stated that in its letter, the company requested the release of Rs. 11 crores, 47 lacs funds. The reports suggested that the companies had raised the issues with the government multiple times, but it has still not been resolved.
