KARACHI: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on April 10 said that the provincial government had formed a fact-finding committee to investigate the causes of traffic accidents that had suddenly increased since November last in the metropolis.
Speaking at a press conference, he said that since November 2024, 603 people had been killed in road traffic accidents and 160 of them involving heavy vehicles.
He said that heavy traffic and motorcycles had long been operating in the city, but recent developments prompted a decisive action.
He said that Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had constituted the fact-finding committee comprising the chief secretary, inspector general of police among others.
“The committee has already initiated work on ascertaining the causes of a sudden increase in road accidents and its report is expected to be submitted shortly,” he said.
250 heavy vehicles impounded for traffic violations
Mr Memon, who also holds the portfolios of information and transport, said that the provincial government had initiated a comprehensive crackdown on traffic violations in Karachi.
“Over the past three days alone, 250 heavy vehicles — trucks, trailers, and water tankers — have been seized for violating traffic laws or being physically unfit for operation,” he said.
Highlighting penalties for non-compliance with traffic safety regulations, he noted that the fine for not wearing a helmet was Rs1,000, and if the bike rider was caught again without a helmet, he would be fined Rs1,500.
“It’s better to invest in a Rs2,500 helmet than pay fines or risk your life,” he remarked.
In addition, he said, the provincial government had made it mandatory for all heavy, light, and public transport vehicles to be equipped with trackers and dashcams. “The speed limit for heavy vehicles in Karachi has been set at 30 kilometres per hour,” he added.
Parties slammed for politicising traffic accident issue
The senior minister also criticised certain political parties for attempting to politicise the issue of traffic accidents over the past few days.
“They have been making hateful statements and using an inflammatory tone in an attempt to pit people against each other,” he said.
He warned that strict action would be taken against anyone trying to incite unrest.
He made it clear that those who attempted to exploit these incidents for political gain or to instigate riots would not be spared.
Published in Dawn, April 12th, 2025