Sindh, NHMP join hands to curb overloading

Inspector General National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) BA Nasir, along with officers from the National Highways and Motorways Police’s South region, held a meeting with Sindh Chief Secretary Syed Asif Hyder Shah on Tuesday.

The meeting focused on enforcing the Axle Load Control Regime, enhancing the vehicle inspection and certification process, and addressing safety and operational challenges on national highways and motorways, particularly in Sindh.

One of the major issues raised was the illegal use of escape routes by transporters to avoid weighing at stations. The NHMP shared that such routes, once identified, are reported to regional authorities to block these loopholes. To counter resistance and ensure smooth enforcement, it was stressed that the deployment of district and local police at weigh stations was essential.

In response, the chief secretary said the government is establishing 32 new weigh stations on various routes in Sindh. The meeting also reviewed the registration and follow-up of FIRs under NHSO-2000 and PPC sections 279 and 431 against vehicles violating axle load limits. Strict and consistent legal action was deemed essential to create deterrence and promote long-term compliance.

The modernization of vehicle fitness certification also came under discussion. Provincial transport authorities have been advised to adopt the VICS (Vehicle Inspection and Certification System) model. Key points included mandatory physical inspection prior to certification, pasting of visible fitness stickers with QR codes and expiry dates on windscreens, and restricting old or mechanically unfit vehicles from entering highways.

Another point of concern was road blockades caused by political or social groups. The chief secretary highlighted the economic and safety threats posed by such disruptions and directed the local administration to act swiftly in preventing or removing such obstacles. The NHMP also raised concerns about vandalism and theft of protective fencing installed along motorways. These fences are critical to preventing accidents by stopping stray animals and unauthorized access to carriageways. The need for stronger local police cooperation was emphasized, including the registration of FIRs and recovery of stolen materials.

During the meeting, the transport secretary said the department has formally initiated the process of vehicle inspections to ensure roadworthiness of transport vehicles across the province.

The chief secretary vowed full support and directed the relevant departments to coordinate closely with the NHMP and NHA. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to road safety, legal enforcement, and the protection of public assets.