RECENTLY the Sindh Assembly passed a law exempting drivers of emergency vehicles (mostly the ambulances) from conviction. In a place where a driving licence is the easiest thing to get, the minister has supported the bill with a view to bringing the rules in conformity with modern-day needs.

Have we brought everything else in conformity with the developed countries? Do the licence-issuing authorities make the applicant go through the rigorous tests before issuing the driving licence? Has the purpose of fast-track lanes been defined? Do the law-enforcing authorities make it mandatory for the commuters to follow it strictly?

The amended law will make things complicated. The new rules will be misused and kill people on the pretext of performing emergency duties.

S. Zaki Hasan

Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 28th, 2018