Nine-day ban on movement of heavy vehicles before 11pm

The Sindh government on Wednesday imposed a nine-day ban on movement of heavy vehicles in Karachi from 6am to 11pm.

The provincial government, however, has granted exemption to vehicles supplying water, edible oil, liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, and all medical gases that come under life saving drugs. The ban is not applicable to passenger buses and coaches as well.

Following the order of the Sindh High Court, the home department issued a notification and directed the Karachi commissioner to impose the ban under Section 144 of the CrPC.

The notification said the ban was imposed to overcome the acute traffic congestion and reduce the chances of accidents.

Fancy number plates

The provincial government has also imposed a ban on sale, purchase and usage of fancy number plates, pressure horns, sirens, hooters and strobe lights on vehicles with immediate effect.

Complying with the Sindh High Court’s order, the home department issued a letter to the DIG Karachi traffic police, directing him to take immediate action against the vendors and retailers selling the banned items.

The DIG has also been asked to register cases against motorists violating the order and impound their vehicles.

The notification said the ban was imposed under Section 144 (6) of the CrPC to maintain law and order situation and curb smuggling, terrorism activities and entry of outlawed persons in the metropolis.

As per the notification, the SHOs are authorised to register complaints under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code against violators and impound their vehicles.