A laboring cart driver working on the banks of the Jhelum River in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir, has made a serious allegation of alleged extortion against a municipal corporation official, after which a wave of concern has spread in urban circles.
The affected cart driver, Aftab Baig, says that he has been away from work for the past few days due to personal trauma, as his brother had died eight days ago. According to him, when he bought vegetables and fruits from the market to resume his employment and set up a cart, the municipal administration officials took action and removed his cart.
Aftab Baig alleged that Bilal Qureshi, an employee of the municipal corporation, allegedly demanded extortion from him, and action was taken against him in case of refusal.
According to the rickshaw puller, he had asked the administration for just two days to sell his perishable goods and avoid the burden of debt, but his request was ignored.
He said that as a result of this action, he not only suffered financial losses but also his only source of livelihood was affected.
Aftab Baig also raised the question that many other rickshaw pullers are still operating in the city, but the action was taken only against him, which indicates discrimination.
Following the incident, civic circles and social activists have demanded that the authorities take notice and conduct a transparent investigation into the matter. They say that if the allegations are true, action should be taken against those responsible, while justice should be provided to the victim.
On the other hand, no official stand has been taken by the Municipal Corporation on the incident yet, which is adding to the confusion in the matter.
In Muzaffarabad, rickshaw pullers and small businessmen are already facing difficulties due to limited resources and strict administrative policies. In such a situation, allegations such as extortion raise important questions regarding administrative transparency and civil rights.
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