Faisalabad Rickshaw Extortion Racket at Jhal Bridge

By Mohsin Ali

The Faisalabad rickshaw extortion racket near Jhal Khanuana Bridge has sparked serious concerns among drivers and commuters as allegations of illegal daily payments and unchecked enforcement continue to grow.

Motorcycle rickshaw drivers are allegedly being forced to grease the palms of private persons near the Jhal Khanuana Bridge in order to pick up passengers.

The majority of drivers are unhappy with this situation, stating that the authorities must look into the issue, as the ‘extortionists’ are allegedly enjoying the backing of some government officials and the traffic police.

Drivers Forced to Pay Daily Illegal Fees to Operate at Busy Pickup Point

During a visit to the site, it was observed that a man wearing a shirt, trousers and a cap was collecting money from drivers stationed at the entrance of the bridge.

Jhal Khanuana Bridge is a busy place where many people come and go every day. Dozens of motorcycle rickshaw drivers work here daily.

Talking to Grand Lines, a driver, Muhammad Afzal said that everyone wants to improve their standard of living by earning without any issue. However, it is difficult for him and other drivers to pick up passengers easily from this area without paying “extortion” to the private people. He claimed that traffic wardens are well aware of the issue; however, nothing is being done against these unscrupulous elements.

He added that drivers try to work harder to find better earning opportunities and we come here following the passengers’ flow near the bridge. He said that a busy bus stand nearby provides passengers for different routes, allowing them to earn a decent amount of money every day.

It is a common practice for almost every driver to pay Rs 30 to Rs 50 daily to use the spot. He said that two to three private persons have been assigned here to collect money from drivers. If any driver refuses to pay, they have to face the consequences. Such drivers are not allowed, by any means, to pick up passengers from this spot.

Jhal Khanuana Bridge Passenger Pickup Point Turning Into Control Zone

Afzal also started paying because he was getting a good number of passengers from this location. He is aware that private people have no authority over state-owned land such as roads and bridges, but he and other drivers are forced to pay “extortion” simply to avoid obstacles that could restrict their ability to earn.

Another driver, who wished to remain anonymous, said that it has now become a common practice for drivers to pay money to private people in order to use the spot.

“I know that paying money to these people is unjustified and illegal, but we have no option. Nothing will be done against these elements even if we approach any government official or department. The officials or departments will just keep us running around, and we cannot afford such a situation in the current times, when skyrocketing prices are already making life difficult.”

Traffic Wardens and Officials Accused of Ignoring Ongoing Extortion Practice

Some passengers near GTS Chowk were also asked about this issue.

They said that taking money from drivers on a daily basis is unfair because it is a government place, and managing traffic is the responsibility of traffic wardens.

This also raises an important question: isn’t it the duty of the wardens and police to stop such people who are taking money illegally?

Just a few meters away from Jhal Bridge, traffic wardens are present outside the Rescue 1122 office on a daily basis–so why don’t they take action or find a solution to this issue?

Rickshaws are often parked at the start of Jhal Bridge, which disrupts the flow of traffic. Vehicles coming from behind face problems, and at times, half of the bridge gets blocked.

Public Reaction to Illegal Charging System

Besides, if a new driver arrives and is unaware of this system, he may try to pick up passengers but he is not allowed to stand there and is instead asked to pay money. If he refuses, he may face rude behavior, arguments, and even verbal abuse, and is ultimately forced to leave the area.

A police officer said that the matter will be investigated and strict action will be taken against such elements. He emphasized that no one is allowed to exploit drivers in the name of “road tax” or any form of extortion.

Author Profile

Mohsin Ali: Mohsin Ali is a joung journalist and policy analyst with a focus on governance, land management, and economic affairs in Pakistan.

He loves to report on state land policies, urban development and provincial government initiatives, providing in-depth coverage of issues that impact both public administration and the national economy.