Digital surveillance across the city has led to a significant 30 to 40 percent reduction in crime rates, while fatal traffic accidents have also decreased rapidly, addressing the difficult challenge of monitoring seven million vehicles. This development was highlighted at an awareness event for the new Traffic Monitoring System (TRACS) in Karachi, which will be extended to Hyderabad next week.
Inspector General of Police Sindh, Javed Alam Odho, stated this while attending an event titled “An Hour with Traffic Police Karachi” held today at a local hotel. The gathering was also attended by Additional IGs, various DIGs, Zonal Traffic SSPs, and other senior police officers and personnel, in addition to several prominent personalities from the corporate sector.
DIG Traffic Karachi Pir Muhammad Shah welcomed the Inspector General and other esteemed guests. He stated that the implementation of digital challans and the prevention of road accidents is a major challenge. Monitoring seven million vehicles through traditional or manual methods was deemed impossible.
Briefings revealed that the rate of fatal traffic accidents had reached an alarming 90 per month, with an average of three deaths daily. The existing force of five thousand personnel of Karachi Traffic Police proved insufficient for routine policing and other issues, making electronic surveillance an essential solution.
The TRACS project was developed after a comprehensive review of traffic systems in various countries. The government promptly approved this initiative, which later also received the Governor’s endorsement.
Currently, more than a thousand fixed cameras have been installed on various highways across the city, while plans are also underway for the installation of over two thousand additional cameras. Furthermore, more than twenty thousand large vehicles operating in the city are equipped with tracking systems.
Karachi Traffic Police has also introduced the TRACS drone and robocar unit, a first in the history of Sindh Police. Its primary objective is to enhance the efficiency of issuing faceless challans in densely populated urban areas.
The success of the faceless challan system through TRACS has been significantly supported by the IT Department of Sindh Police, which developed various applications to enable this automated system. In line with the vision of IG Sindh, traffic police personnel in 32 sections have been equipped with modern mobile tablets and applications for effective e-challan implementation.
However, instances of tampering with number plates to avoid faceless challans have also been observed, for which a special campaign has been launched for redressal.
Inspector General Javed Alam Odho thanked the business community and other participants. He confirmed his role in setting the strategic direction for the department.
He praised the excellent work of former IG Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon regarding the automated challan system. Mr. Odho also stated that data was collected from the Excise Department and Driving License Branches before the system’s implementation.
The Inspector General credited DIG Pir Muhammad Shah and the IT Department for their full cooperation, which led to the success of the faceless challan system. He highlighted that this system initiated a process of self-accountability, yielding positive results.
Mr. Odho emphasized the need to reduce the proportion of constabulary within Sindh Police and increase the number of officers from ASI to DSP level. He believes that this change will not only transform the police culture but also improve the use of technology, thereby modernizing Sindh Police in line with international standards.
He called for the expansion of the CCTV-based security system across the city and appealed for full cooperation from the public. IG Sindh also extended heartfelt gratitude for the full support of the Sindh government in the success of the faceless challan and other projects.
The Inspector General announced that this system, equipped with modern high-tech cameras, is also being launched in Hyderabad next week. The objective of this expansion is to reduce the visible presence of police on roads while ensuring timely police response.
He observed that adherence to traffic laws has improved even without the visible presence of traffic police. Furthermore, cameras installed across the city have contributed to a 30 to 40 percent reduction in the overall crime rate.
Regarding camera installation, the IG specifically thanked CPK, whose efforts led to a 70 percent increase in crime detection. He emphasized that cameras in all banks, markets, and commercial areas should be linked to the Safe City system.
The Inspector General expressed hope for continued mutual cooperation with the business community and acknowledged their past collaboration with Sindh Police.
The event concluded with the exchange of commemorative shields between the IG Sindh, Additional IG Karachi, and DIG Traffic Karachi.