Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Traffic Karachi, Pir Muhammad Shah, has proposed increasing traffic fines in Karachi starting in June to curb violations and improve road safety. The proposal includes penalties of Rs. 5,000 for motorcyclists, Rs. 10,000 for cars, Rs. 20,000 for buses, and Rs. 25,000 for heavy vehicles.
Addressing members of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Pir Muhammad Shah said that traffic problems cannot be resolved solely through penalties but also through public awareness, effective law enforcement, and cooperation between stakeholders.
KATI President Junaid Naqi, Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya, Senior Vice President Ijaz Sheikh, Vice President Syed Tariq Hussain, former President and Chairman Farrukh Mazhar, Tariq Malik, SSP Traffic Korangi Ali Raza, other industrialists and members were also present at the ceremony.
Pir Muhammad Shah further announced a strict proposal of a Rs. 100,000 fine for one-way and wrong-side driving, terming it equivalent to attempted murder due to the dangers it poses. He emphasized that such behaviour would be treated as a criminal offence.
Shah revealed that over 7,000 heavy vehicles in the city have already been equipped with GPS trackers. To improve monitoring, Shah proposed making the installation of four surveillance cameras in each heavy vehicle mandatory. These cameras will provide live monitoring of driver behavior. Fines will be imposed on vehicles without cameras.
He also said that traffic accidents are increasing due to overloading heavy transport. Dumpers are designed for 27 tons and carry up to 80 tons, while trailers are meant for 57 tons and haul 120 tons of goods. This causes brake failures and leads to fatal accidents.
The DIG informed that modern laboratories are being set up for driver drug testing, where six types of dope tests will be conducted. He also proposed mandatory 30-hour training for new driving license applicants under a new Karachi Driving Institute (KDI) initiative to be launched in partnership with the private sector.
A point-based license system is also being considered. Points will be deducted for each traffic violation. Once a certain limit is reached, the license will be suspended or cancelled, following international models.
Pir Muhammad Shah also announced that a “faceless ticketing system” will be introduced next month. The system will initially cover Shahrah-e-Faisal, I. I. Chundrigar Road, and Saddar. Traffic violations will be detected through CCTV, and e-challans will be sent to vehicle owners. A 50% discount will be offered for payment within 14 days, while late payments will face additional penalties.
The DIG pointed out that while the daily challan rate in Karachi is around 4,000, it is 17,000 in Lahore. He said low fines in Sindh contribute to weak law enforcement and greater violations.
Speaking earlier, KATI President Junaid Naqi said that increasing traffic congestion in the Korangi Industrial Area is affecting industrial productivity. He cited the rising number of vehicles and ongoing development work on Jam Sadiq Bridge, Qayyumabad Flyover, and the Causeway as key issues. He said KATI is working with authorities to spread awareness about traffic laws and improve compliance.
Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya said traffic issues directly affect Korangi’s industrial zone production. He stressed the need for stronger coordination between traffic police and the industrial sector to resolve these challenges.
Ikram Rajput Nadeem Khan and others also spoke at the event.
