Sir,

I fail to understand whether the ban on pillion riding is still in force or not. There seems to be some confusion in this regard which the Sindh home department should clarify.

Suppose someone is caught pillion riding. Will the police try and extract the maximum amount from him, or will the violator have to face punishment? In most cases citizens prefer to pay off the police in order to prevent harassment. It seems that two main groups benefit principally from the ban on pillion riding: local transporters and the police.

If our police department is not capable of differentiating between innocent citizens and criminals then what is the use of maintaining a police department? It has been observed that criminals are free to roam around while innocent citizens who use motorbikes are harassed by the police.

I suggest that the ban on pillion riding be permanently lifted because such a ban is not used in any other country. Instead of applying such ineffective methods that only add to the people’s miseries, the police should improve its performance and bring criminals to book using modern methods.

ASHFAQ SHARIF Karachi

Crossroad at Urdu Bazaar

Sir,

The crossroad at Urdu Bazaar is extremely dangerous for pedestrians for the simple reason that the traffic flow there is a three-way flow. The other day when I reached the main thoroughfare in order to cross over, I found it very difficult.

A woman of advanced years was standing next to me and wanted to cross but due to the sheer volume of traffic she was unable to do so. I came forth to help her cross over to the other side. Yet there needs to be a permanent solution that would allow children, the elderly and all other citizens to cross this road safely.

I would like the relevant authorities to consider the matter and to do something about it because if they don’t there is the chance of an accident happening sooner or later.

HAMDAN SIDDIQUI Buffer Zone

Flyover at Malir City

Sir,

Ugly traffic jams are common at Malir City (Malir 15) on the main National Highway in Karachi where precious time is wasted in the wait for the road to clear up. Almost daily at noontime and in the evening hundreds of minibuses, buses, cars, rickshaws etc. are seen miserably stranded there for hours.

Will the CDGK, in cooperation with the Sindh government, build a flyover at Malir City as soon as possible for the convenience of thousands of commuters?

MOHAMMAD KHAN SIAL Karachi city@dawn.com