Karachi, 15 Oct 2023: Karachi’s traffic violations have surged significantly, with city officials and civic agencies seemingly indifferent to the escalating situation, highlighted Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor on Sunday.
Shakoor emphasized that wrong-side driving and ignoring traffic lights have become commonplace in Karachi, accusing traffic police of prioritizing personal gain over the enforcement of road rules. He pointed out that many motorcyclists bypass safety regulations by not wearing crash helmets, and a staggering 90% of rickshaws in the city operate without registration numbers, proper documentation, or licensed drivers, all under the unconcerned gaze of traffic law enforcement.
However, Shakoor clarified that the blame shouldn’t solely rest on the traffic police. He brought attention to the civic agencies that enable traffic disruptions by removing or relocating road barriers, thereby encouraging illicit traffic movements and unsafe shortcuts. A notable instance of this can be seen at Teen Hati, where barriers are displaced, allowing irregular traffic flow from PIB Colony to Lasbella, despite the availability of a flyover on the route. This issue isn’t limited to Teen Hati and can be observed in various parts of Karachi. The M9 or Superhighway, for example, witnesses bicycles, motorcycles, and even donkey carts on the main highway near Suhrab Goth, given that both highway sides meant for side roads are congested with trucks, bus transporters, mechanics, vendors, and Katchi Abadi residents. Meanwhile, both the National Highway Authority (NHA) and civic agencies appear to adopt the same passive stance as traffic police.
The chairman further highlighted that approximately half of the vehicle drivers and most motorcyclists in Karachi don’t possess a legitimate driving license due to a corrupt and cumbersome issuance process. He proposed that police establish driving license desks at every station and traffic post to ensure all drivers are licensed. Additionally, he stressed that motorcyclists not wearing helmets should face stringent penalties, deterring not only license-less driving but also underage driving.
Further compounding Karachi’s traffic chaos, illegal bus terminals operate uninhibited in various parts of the city, including Cantt Station and Sardar. Heavy traffic also moves freely during restricted hours, allegedly facilitated by bribes.
In conclusion, Shakoor implored key figures, including the caretaker chief minister Justice Maqbool Baqar, IGP Sindh police, city traffic police officials, KMC, NHA, and other concerned entities, to intervene and address the escalating traffic violations in Karachi.