Imran Zakir
KARACHI: Karachi Police have taken a significant step toward strengthening urban security, preventing road accidents, and enhancing law enforcement capacity through advanced surveillance systems across the city.
This was stated by Deputy Inspector General DIG Traffic Karachi, Pir Mohammed Shah, during a meeting with the Transporters Goods Association on Wednesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Pir Mohammed Shah highlighted that over 2,300 smart surveillance cameras have been installed under the second phase of the Safe City project, which has already received approval from the Chief Minister of Sindh. He emphasized that modern technology-driven monitoring remains a top priority for ensuring public safety.
Addressing the concerns of transporters, the DIG noted that the introduction of surveillance systems and enforcement through e-challans has significantly reduced motorbike accident fatalities. He said the death toll has been brought down to around 40-45, despite there being over five million motorcycles in the city. Efforts are underway to ensure the number does not exceed 50.
He further revealed that future plans include the development of separate tracks for motorcyclists and heavy traffic to improve road safety and traffic flow. Additionally, the department is considering reducing traffic challan fines to make them more affordable, subject to cabinet approval.
“Our objective is not revenue generation but to promote a culture of law-abiding citizens,” he remarked.
Responding to questions about the continued presence of traffic police despite the installation of cameras, Pir Mohammed Shah explained that personnel are deployed for limited hours primarily to check number plates. He pointed out that many vehicles operate without proper or clearly visible number plates, making manual enforcement necessary.
On the issue of heavy fines, he assured transporters that their concerns are being taken seriously and efforts are being made to rationalize challan costs, which currently impact business operations.
The DIG also assured improvements in traffic management to reduce delivery times and operational costs for transporters.
The meeting was attended by members of the Karachi Chamber’s Managing Committee, including Nosherwan and Younus Soomro. Earlier, Tariq Gujar, President of the Karachi Goods Transporters Association, delivered the welcome address.
