DIG Traffic: Driving on Shahrah-e-Faisal to feel like walking on 'Pul-e-Sirat' after installation of cameras

DIG Traffic Police Pir Muhammad Shah said on Monday that the number of road accidents has declined after the introduction of e-challans.

Speaking at an event organised by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce, Pir Muhammad Shah addressed traffic issues in the city and warned that the ongoing enforcement measures, including the installation of numerous cameras, have made driving on one of the main arteries increasingly strict.

“Shahrah-e-Faisal is not a motorway where speeds above 60 km/h are permissible. From December, motorcycles will be confined to bike lanes. With so many cameras now in place, traveling on this road will feel like walking on Pul-e-Sirat for citizens,” he said.

The DIG noted that traffic accidents previously resulted in three fatalities per day. After the introduction of e-challans, this number has dropped to two daily, with 46 deaths recorded in traffic incidents last month. He emphasised that efforts are underway to improve road sense among Karachi’s residents.

He also clarified that fines are not determined based on people’s ability to pay, citing global practices. For first-time offenses, the government has provided an opportunity to waive fines digitally at 11 designated facilitation centers.

Pir Muhammad Shah warned against reducing penalties, saying: “No system succeeds unless its deterrent effect is felt. If people are not afraid of the system, how can change occur?”. He further added that FIRs will be registered against anyone found tampering with or hiding number plates.