Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon chaired a meeting at the Central Police Office during which they issued directives to ensure strict implementation of traffic laws.
Officials said the meeting reviewed the causes of traffic accidents, prevention measures, and the implementation of decisions related to them. Necessary steps and the action plan were thoroughly reviewed, and further instructions were given.
Lanjar said Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has also issued directives regarding traffic issues, and in this regard, we must not only follow these orders as a team but also ensure strict implementation of policies related to all traffic issues and matters.
He mentioned that the head constables will be authorized to issue traffic tickets for violations, with the aim of issuing as many tickets as possible and making citizens comply with traffic laws.
He further emphasized that all SSPs should ensure that the traffic police force is visible on roads, highways, and traffic signal lights starting from next Monday. “Therefore, they should commit themselves to strict duty from today, as they only have time until the coming Monday. Moreover, if any violations of traffic rules occur, even he or his family members should be issued a ticket because the law is equal for all.”
Home Minister Lanjar instructed the operation police to provide full assistance to the traffic police and cooperate with them for smooth traffic flow in the city. He also stated that police officers should take their assigned duties seriously and deliver results; otherwise, they would be dismissed from their positions. He mentioned that the CM has formulated a policy regarding parking, and in this regard, parking is being eliminated.
However, before that, a strict crackdown on the parking mafia would take place. He clarified that only single-line parking would be allowed, and any double-line parking would result in the suspension and blacklisting of the concerned SO. The fitness and inspection of heavy vehicles operating in the city would be conducted, and drivers would also undergo medical tests.
He directed the DIG Traffic Karachi to work with the mayor to prepare an action plan based on the list of available water tankers.
Lanjar also emphasized strict action against those who display weapons, and said no one would be allowed to sit in the back of a pickup vehicle, whether it is a police officer or a security guard. These instructions will also be conveyed to the owners of such vehicles. Furthermore, the ongoing campaign against fancy number plates, tinted windows, blue lights, and pressure horns would be intensified.
IGP Memon said they are ensuring the implementation of the Sindh government’s directives and are working on improving the overall actions of the traffic police.
The meeting was also attended by the Addition IGP Karachi, DIGs of Headquarters, DL Branch, Traffic, all Range DIGs, SSPs of Karachi and Traffic Zones, as well as AIG Operations Sindh in person, and DIGs and SSPs from Hyderabad, SBA, Mirpurkhas, Larkana, and Sukkur via video link. Earlier, the Home minister directed that heavy traffic be allowed to come on roads from 11pm to 6am.
Moreover, tags are being made for solid waste management vehicles, Lanjar said and added that 3,500 heavy vehicles should be tagged and registered in 15 days, otherwise there will be a challan. Improving the traffic system, he will hold a meeting with operations and traffic SSPs, he said.
The home minister directed that the commissioner of Karachi should issue an official notification regarding the decisions made during the recent meeting to ensure their implementation. If these decisions are not followed, Section 144 will be imposed.
He emphasized that during traffic congestion, traffic police and local police should collaborate to keep the vehicles moving. He added that in the coming days, he would personally conduct an operation and hold a meeting with the SSPs of traffic police.
Lanjar directed that a comprehensive and actionable draft on the required NPR cameras be prepared and sent for review and further necessary actions. He also issued instructions to increase the number of police officers, including ASIs to inspectors, by 500 to issue traffic violation tickets. He directed that head constables also be authorized to issue tickets, and the number of officers equipped with body-worn cameras should be increased.