Humaira Motala
KARACHI: Additional Inspector General of Police Karachi range, Mr Azad Khan speaking at the certificate distribution ceremony at Sindh Police Driving Training School in Saeedabad on Thursday said the traffic police was a “service-oriented” force. He stressed “maintaining law and order is a collective effort. Without community participation, the police force cannot achieve the desired results,”
Welcoming corporate involvement, the ADIG Karachi urged the private sector to collaborate with Sindh Traffic Police to expand free scooty training for women. “Monetary help is not required,” he said. “The corporate sector can contribute by helping set up upgraded learning centres.” During his visit he reviewed the women-focused “She Drives” program.
Mr Azad noted that a growing number of women were joining the traffic department. He praised the strong turnout of women participants, called the program a significant step toward empowerment, and distributed certificates to trainees who completed the course.
The ADIG Karachi added that the department was working to revamp its entire system, stressing that e-ticketing must be transparent and applied without discrimination between the elite and the poor. “Transparency will restore public trust in the police department,” he said.
Mr. Azad Khan also highlighted that the traffic department “Sahulat Centre” was actively handling applications from citizens who wish to contest e-challans, and that 90 percent of complaints are being resolved on the spot.
DIG Traffic, Karachi, Pir Mohammad Shah briefed the Additional IG on the school’s performance and ongoing training modules. He emphasized that expanding the fleet of training scooties is critical to scaling up. “With 5 scooties we can prepare a batch of 25 females. With 10, we can double that figure, we can train a batch of 50,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, DIG Traffic Pir Mohammad Shah said the pink scooty distribution and training program was close to the Sindh government’s heart, reflecting Shaheed Benazir Bhutto’s vision of empowering women. “We do not only provide training but also certify the trainees and help them obtain a valid license,” he said.
Mr Shah explained that the institute’s mandate extends beyond teaching driving skills to building awareness of traffic laws, road safety, and responsible driving behavior among women. Under the “She Drives” initiative, female trainees receive a one-week intensive course combining practical driving instruction with lessons on traffic rules, road safety, and traffic signage.
Principal Khalid Jameel welcomed the Additional IG, DIG Traffic, and other valuable guests. He said the new Traffic Training Institute was separated from the Sindh Training Department and, under a new chain of command, was inaugurated by Home Minister Zia Lanjhar in 2025 with a mission to prepare a better-equipped traffic force. So far, the institute has trained 214 students. He added that since DIG Traffic took charge, the institute has gained greater autonomy and seen positive change.
A large number of participants attended the ceremony, along with senior officers including SSP Kemari Range, Mr Sanghar, SSP Traffic West Mr Azam Jamali, SP Investigation Kemari Mr Masroor, and several DSPs along with a large number of female participants.
The Additional IG Mr Azad Khan reiterated the department’s commitment to road safety, women’s independence, and public awareness, and was presented with a commemorative shield by DIG Traffic Karachi, Pir Mohammad Shah.
