Authorities in Sindh have been directed to launch an immediate and stringent crackdown on heavy vehicles operating without proper registration or number plates, with orders to take such vehicles into custody. The directive also includes a zero-tolerance policy towards vehicles with non-standard number plates, the illegal use of revolving lights, and tinted windows.
The directives were issued by Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar during a high-level meeting of the Review Committee on the performance of the E-Challan/TRACE system held at the Sindh Assembly, according to a statement issued on Tuesday. The session, chaired by the minister, conducted a comprehensive review of the province”s traffic management framework, the e-challan programme, and the implementation of new traffic legislation.
During the deliberations, Mr Lanjar mandated that all heavy vehicles must be fitted with trackers within a two-month timeframe. Emphasising local solutions, he stated that while the opposition cites examples from Lahore, the reality is that “Karachi is Pakistan,” and its problems require tailored solutions.
The meeting saw extensive discussion among attendees, including members of the Sindh Assembly, Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi, the Secretary of Law, the Additional IG of Karachi, and the DIG of Traffic. While expressing support for the law itself, Mr Khurshidi appealed for consideration to be given to reducing the penalty amounts for motorcycles and small vehicles.
In response, the Additional IG of Karachi informed the committee that the e-challan law was formulated in line with international standards. Separately, Javed Alam Odho noted that the implementation of the e-challan initiative has resulted in improved traffic flow and a significant decrease in violations.
A key decision from the meeting was the establishment of an “Ambassador Section” within the Traffic Department to bolster public awareness. This initiative will involve well-known personalities, including sports stars from cricket, hockey, and football, as well as other celebrities, joining traffic police on the roads to educate citizens about traffic regulations.
Home Minister Lanjar announced his personal commitment to the awareness campaign, stating he and other political leaders would actively participate. He also instructed officials to prepare comprehensive recommendations for several key upgrades.
These include the urgent installation of 400 new traffic light signals in Karachi, the digitisation of e-challan fine payments and complaint registration, and the formation of a dedicated Traffic Management Committee. This new body will be tasked with determining, structuring, and ensuring the fair distribution of fines.
Concluding the session, the Home Minister directed that recommendations for a review of fines imposed on motorcycles and cars be submitted to the committee within one week, reaffirming that making the traffic system effective, transparent, and citizen-friendly is a top priority for the Sindh Government.