In a move to address the rising number of road accidents in Karachi, the Sindh government has introduced a 30 kilometers per hour speed limit for heavy transport vehicles (HTVs) within the city. Along with this measure, the government has also mandated random drug testing for drivers, aimed at improving road safety.
The decision was made during a crucial meeting chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. The meeting saw the participation of key officials, including provincial ministers Saeed Ghani, Mukesh Kumar Chawla, Zia Ul Hassan Lanjar, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Inspector General (IG) of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon, Additional IG Karachi Police Javed Alam Odho, and Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi.
The IG Police provided an alarming briefing on traffic violations in the city, revealing that in 2024, Karachi recorded a staggering 1,607,065 traffic violations, leading to fines totaling Rs1.336 billion. Additionally, 512,190 vehicles were penalized, 11,287 drivers were detained, 650 First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed, and 7,555 fitness certificates were revoked.
Expressing deep concern over the alarming increase in road accidents, Chief Minister Shah emphasized the need for better coordination between traffic and district police. He stressed the importance of preventing accidents, noting that the loss of human lives due to such incidents was unacceptable.
To curb these incidents, the Chief Minister instructed that the licenses of all heavy vehicle drivers be thoroughly checked. Furthermore, he directed that trackers and dash cams be installed in all heavy transport vehicles (HTVs), light transport vehicles (LTVs), and public service vehicles (PSVs) to improve monitoring and safety.
Another significant measure announced was the requirement for under-run protection devices in all heavy and light vehicles. Additionally, water tankers are now prohibited from operating unless they are equipped with leak-proof or baffled plates.
As part of the crackdown on substandard vehicles, any vehicles found with canceled fitness certificates will be impounded, and reauthorization will depend on a clearance from the transport department.
In a bid to further enhance road safety, Murad Ali Shah ordered the implementation of random drug testing for all heavy and light vehicle drivers. He also introduced the new 30 km/h speed limit for HTVs in Karachi, a move aimed at reducing the impact of accidents caused by large vehicles.
The Chief Minister also directed the introduction of a transparent, fee-less, and automated e-ticketing system, urging the integration of systems across the transport department, excise and licensing authorities, traffic police, and NADRA.
Acknowledging the need for a more coordinated approach to traffic law enforcement, Shah mandated a restructuring of the Traffic Engineering Bureau, placing it under the supervision of the Mayor of Karachi.
Additionally, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of international standard training for individuals applying for driving licenses and instructed the introduction of a demerit point system for license holders. He also called for a stricter crackdown on illegal practices, such as the use of unauthorized number plates, tinted windows, and sirens, along with enhanced penalties for those caught riding motorcycles without helmets or engaging in triple riding.
To ensure that these new measures are implemented without delay, Chief Minister Shah established a high-level committee, to be supervised by the IG Police, tasked with overseeing the immediate enforcement of these decisions.
