To ensure safer roads for all, Sindh’s Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, has introduced random drug testing for every driver, whether behind the wheel of a heavy truck or a light vehicle in Karachi. This is part of the newly launched CM Karachi Traffic Action plan focused on improving urban mobility and road safety.
Chief Minister Imposes Speed Limit on Heavy Vehicles to Ease Karachi Traffic
In an important meeting in Karachi to address the city’s traffic problems, the Chief Minister took action to improve road safety. He announced a new rule, limiting heavy transport vehicles (HTVs) to a speed of 30 kilometers per hour within the city. This decision, under the CM Karachi Traffic Action, is aimed at reducing traffic congestion and making the roads safer for everyone.
The gathering was attended by a group of influential leaders and officials, all focused on addressing Karachi’s pressing challenges. Among those present were provincial ministers Saeed Ghani, Mukesh Kumar Chawla, and Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, alongside Karachi’s Mayor, Murtaza Wahab. Also in attendance were key figures such as IG Police Ghulam Nabi Memon, Principal Secretary Agha Wasif, and Home Secretary Iqbal Memon.
Top Officials Meet as CM Addresses Growing Road Accidents
Commissioner Hassan Naqvi and Additional IG Javed Alam Odho participated as well, with Secretary Excise Saleem Rajput, Secretary Transport Asad Zamin, and senior officers like DIG Driving Licence Iqbal Dara and DIG Traffic Peer Muhammad Shah all contributing to the discussion, aiming to find effective solutions for the city.
Chief Minister Murad voiced his serious concern about the growing number of road accidents, calling them both devastating and intolerable, particularly as families, especially mothers, are forced to endure the heartbreaking loss of their children.
IG Police Reports 1.6 Million Violations, Rs1.3 Billion in Fines
He called on the traffic and district police to strengthen their collaboration, emphasizing that his main priority was to prevent road accidents from occurring in the first place, rather than simply documenting them afterward.
In the meeting, the Sindh Inspector General of Police gave an update on the city’s traffic enforcement for 2024. He reported that over 1.6 million violations were recorded, leading to fines totaling Rs1.336 billion. This shows a serious effort toward improving road safety and discipline.
CM Tightens Road Safety: Trackers, Cameras Required
In a concerted effort to improve road safety, authorities took strict action against 512,190 vehicles and arrested 11,287 drivers for violations. Furthermore, 650 FIRs were registered, and 7,555 vehicle fitness certificates were canceled, all reflecting the serious measures being implemented to ensure safer roads for the public.
The Chief Minister has directed that all heavy trucks (HTVs), light vehicles (LTVs), and public service vehicles (PSVs) must be fitted with trackers and dashboard cameras. Furthermore, the installation of under-run protection devices has been made compulsory for both heavy and light vehicles to enhance safety.
CM Implements Vehicle Safety and Digital Ticketing
He stated that water tankers with leaks or missing baffle plates will be banned from the roads for safety. Vehicles with expired fitness certificates will be impounded and can only return once approved by the transport department.
To ensure greater transparency, the Chief Minister has mandated the launch of a faceless e-ticketing system. This will digitally link departments like Transport, Excise, Licensing Authority, Traffic Police, and Nadra, creating a more efficient enforcement process and smoother operations overall.
CM Tightens Road Safety with Driver Training and Motorcycle Rules
The Chief Minister has mandated international-level training before issuing driving licences. He also proposed a demerit point system for licence holders and called for stricter enforcement against illegal number plates, tinted windows, and unauthorized sirens and lights.
The CM Karachi Traffic Action also focuses on motorcyclists who ride without helmets, engage in triple riding, or use unsafe bikes. A dedicated committee has been formed, with the IG Police personally overseeing the implementation. This initiative is all about prioritizing the safety of everyone on the road.
The Chief Minister has approved a major overhaul of the Traffic Engineering Bureau, transferring its authority to the Karachi mayor. This move is intended to enhance collaboration between departments and bring more effective, locally managed solutions to the city’s traffic challenges.
