To reduce accidents in Karachi, Sindh CM imposes 30 km/h speed limit for heavy traffic, mandates drug testing for drivers, and announces strict new enforcement measures.
Karachi Takes Action: New Rules to Curb Rising Road Accidents
In a decisive move to tackle the alarming rise in road accidents, the Sindh government has introduced a new set of traffic regulations aimed at making Karachi’s roads safer. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, heavy transport vehicles in Karachi will now be restricted to a maximum speed of 30 kilometers per hour, and drug tests will be mandatory for all drivers—both heavy and light vehicle operators.
Chief Minister Chairs High-Level Meeting
The announcement followed a high-level meeting held in Karachi, chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. The meeting was attended by key provincial figures including ministers Saeed Ghani, Mukesh Kumar Chawla, Zia Lanjar, and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, among other senior officials.
The Chief Minister expressed deep concern over the increasing frequency of road accidents, many of which involve heavy transport vehicles. He stated that the loss of human life is unbearable and emphasized the urgent need to curb reckless driving on city roads.
Traffic Violations in Numbers
During the meeting, IG Sindh gave a briefing on the current traffic conditions and enforcement actions taken in 2024. The figures are staggering:
- Over 1.6 million challans issued in Karachi
- A total fine collection of Rs 1.33 billion
- Action taken against 512,000 vehicles
- 11,287 drivers taken into custody
- 650 FIRs registered
- 7,555 fitness certificates canceled
These statistics underscore the scale of the traffic violations and the need for immediate reform.
Mandatory Safety Measures
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah ordered a series of strict safety measures aimed at reforming the city’s chaotic traffic system. Key directives include:
- A 30 km/h speed limit for heavy vehicles throughout Karachi
- Drug tests mandatory for all drivers
- Mandatory installation of dash cams and GPS trackers in all heavy vehicles
- Re-checking of driving licenses for all heavy transport drivers
- Vehicles with revoked fitness certificates to be confiscated
- Re-licensing subject to approval from the Transport Department
Linking Government Agencies for Better Coordination
To improve the efficiency of traffic enforcement, the Chief Minister ordered the integration of the Transport Department, Excise Department, Licensing Authority, Traffic Police, and NADRA. This coordination aims to ensure proper record-keeping, easier tracking of violators, and better enforcement of traffic laws.
Traffic Engineering Bureau and Training Reforms
The Traffic Engineering Bureau will be reorganized and placed under the Mayor of Karachi, and new drivers will be required to complete international standard training before they are issued licenses. The government also plans to launch a crackdown against:
- Vehicles with illegal number plates
- Tinted windows
- Unauthorized sirens and flashing lights
Strict Action Against Motorcyclists
The CM also directed law enforcement agencies to take immediate action against motorcyclists without helmets and those involved in triple riding, which remains a significant safety issue on Karachi roads.
High-Level Committee for Immediate Implementation
To ensure quick and effective implementation of all decisions, a high-level committee has been formed. The committee will be supervised by the Inspector General of Police, and will monitor the execution of each directive, ensuring that no measure is left unenforced.
Governor Also Calls for Action
In a related development, the Governor of Sindh has written to the Chief Justice, urging immediate judicial attention to the escalating accidents caused by heavy traffic in Karachi. The call reflects the growing demand for systemic reform and accountability.
Karachi’s roads have long been plagued by dangerous driving, inadequate law enforcement, and a lack of accountability. The new regulations introduced by the Sindh government aim to bring about a much-needed transformation in the city’s traffic management. With strict speed limits, drug testing, and cross-agency coordination, these measures are a strong step forward in protecting lives and restoring order on the streets of Karachi.
