Karachi’s rising fatalities due to reckless dumper truck accidents have led to the immediate transfer of DIG Traffic Ahmed Nawaz Cheema.

The Sindh government, responding to public outcry over increasing road accidents, has issued new directives, appointing Pir Muhammad Shah as the new DIG Traffic Karachi.

Meanwhile, Cheema has been ordered to report to the Central Police Office. In a high-level meeting chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, a series of strict traffic regulations were introduced.

A major decision mandates fitness certificates for all vehicles operating in Sindh, aiming to curb accidents caused by unfit vehicles.

Additionally, the entry timings of heavy dumpers into Karachi have been revised — these vehicles will now only be allowed on city roads from 10pm to 6am.

The meeting, held at the Chief Minister’s House, was attended by key officials, including Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani, Excise Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla, Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, and senior police officials.

Expressing concern over the surge in traffic accidents, the Chief Minister directed strict enforcement of traffic laws and vehicle regulations.

Strict fitness, registration rules

During a press conference, Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon highlighted the Sindh government’s plan to tighten oversight on vehicle fitness.

All commercial and heavy vehicles must now obtain valid fitness certificates from the transport department, and unfit vehicles will not be allowed on the roads.

Excise officials revealed that 80,000 licence plates are ready for distribution, urging vehicle owners with pending applications to collect their plates.

A crackdown on fake number plates and unregistered vehicles is also in the works, with violators facing immediate legal action.

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Additionally, the Karachi Water Board has decided to introduce barcoded identification for water tankers, ensuring only certified vehicles operate within the city.

Furthermore, vehicles entering Sindh from other provinces will also be required to obtain a Sindh fitness certificate. Any showroom found delivering unregistered vehicles will be shut down, as per the new policy.

Memon also announced a ban on the private sale of police sirens and emergency lights, vowing to monitor vendors selling such equipment.

Traffic police to hit the roads in full force

Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar held a separate meeting at the Central Police Office, instructing law enforcement to strictly implement new traffic regulations.

He announced that from Monday, traffic police officers — including SSPs — must be visibly present on city roads to ensure compliance.

Lanjar emphasised that even government officials and his own family members would not be exempt from traffic laws.

“If my family or I violate traffic rules, we should be fined like any other citizen,” he stated.

With these sweeping reforms, the Sindh government aims to bring order to Karachi’s increasingly chaotic traffic situation, ensuring public safety through strict enforcement and regulatory oversight.

Accidents claim two more lives

Karachi witnessed two separate traffic accidents, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, including an elderly woman.

According to rescue officials, these incidents add to an alarming trend, bringing the total number of traffic-related fatalities in the city to 107 in the first 45 days of the year.

In the first incident, a motorcyclist, identified as Shafiullah, was reportedly struck and killed by a dumper near the Mazar area of Malir Memon Goth.

In another accident, an unidentified vehicle hit and killed an elderly woman near Khursheed Pura graveyard in Saeedabad, Baldia Town.

Rescue records reveal a disturbing rise in traffic fatalities across Karachi.

Among the 107 victims, 78 were men, while reckless driving claimed the lives of 14 women. Tragically, even children have not been spared, with 11 boys and four girls losing their lives in road accidents.

Additionally, around 15 citizens have been injured, reportedly due to the negligence of traffic authorities.

The increasing number of road fatalities underscores the urgent need for stricter traffic enforcement and improved road safety measures in Karachi.