KARACHI: Welcoming the ban on the daytime entry of dumper trucks in the city, Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor stated that this step is insufficient, emphasizing that Karachi requires significant reforms across its entire transport system.
According to a statement by Pasban Democratic Party, Shakoor highlighted that over 50 percent of vehicles in Karachi are motorcycles, a consequence of inadequate commuting facilities. He criticized the government for delaying the revival of the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), asserting that the city’s commuting issues cannot be resolved without its revival and expansion.
Shakoor pointed out that nearly 80 percent of drivers, particularly motorcyclists, lack valid licenses. He accused the traffic police of corruption, claiming they prioritize bribery over traffic regulation. He also noted that many dumper and truck operators drive without licenses or basic traffic training, often compounded by habitual drug use, leading to increased accidents.
He mentioned that although the Lyari Expressway was built to divert heavy port traffic away from the city, these vehicles are not permitted on it. He advocated for the use of the expressway for heavy traffic with appropriate precautions. He criticized the encroachment on inner-city roads by vendors, highlighting traffic congestion in areas like Liaquatabad market and New M A Jinnah Road due to unauthorized parking and business activities.
Shakoor further noted illegal occupations of green spaces along the Superhighway by bus transporters, while government authorities remain inactive. He contrasted this with Lahore’s administration under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, where such issues are reportedly better managed.
In his call for action, Shakoor demanded a crackdown on unlicensed drivers and roadside encroachments and called for the use of modern surveillance technology to monitor busy roads. He urged the Sindh government to implement comprehensive reforms in Karachi’s transport system to improve citizen safety and reduce traffic-related fatalities.