RAWALAKOT (Kashmir English): Toli Peer tourists were overcharged for parking as many tourists flocked to the destination. The Deputy Commissioner of Poonch, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Sardar Umar Farooq, has taken action against overcharging and unauthorised parking fees at the popular tourist destination of Toli Peer.
A press release from his office confirmed that complaints were received about excessive charges and illegal parking fees on roadsides during the Eid holidays. Authorities dispatched magistrates as well as police officers to solve the problem and return tourist funds.
Based on the written statement, the District Council of Poonch established controlled parking areas at Toli Peer through private contractor management at established rates. The authorities intervened immediately after receiving complaints about private operators charging unauthorized parking fees beyond the marked areas.
The third-day celebration of Eid brought Deputy Commissioner Sardar Umar Farooq to Toli Pir together with Assistant Commissioner Headquarters Sardar Muhammad Mushtaq Khan and Tourism Officer Waqas Muzaffar and police officials. The public official conducted meetings with visitors to examine security procedures while ensuring proper parking arrangements for the tourists.
According to the Deputy Commissioner no one can operate parking fees outside official zones and he asked officers to support visitors to the best of their abilities. He further directed that those responsible for the unauthorised charges be held accountable and took steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
Previously, after receiving complaints about roadside parking fees, authorities had intervened to ensure refunds for affected tourists. Management of the parking facilities by the private contractor received notification to avoid charging fees on unapproved parking areas. The District Council Chairman received a proposal for canceling the private parking contract because of the detected breaches.
Visitors appreciate the decisive steps taken by the administration to regulate tourism facilities because they approved of the measures at this scenic site in Azad Kashmir. Local authorities have ensured tourists that established security protocols will both boost their visit and enforce peacekeeping measures at Toli Peer.
