ISLAMABAD: The capital police have decided to launch action against motorists using flickering light or tinted glasses.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammad Aamir Zulfiqar Khan gave a deadline of 48 hours to the motorists to remove flickering lights and tinted glasses. After the deadline, such vehicles would be confiscated for further legal action, he added.

The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) and policemen deployed at pickets and patrolling staff have been asked to remove flickering lights and coloured paper from vehicles.

Action will start against motorists using such light and glasses after the deadline, said the police.

The police also decided to send notices to shops selling flickering lights and coloured paper. Stations house officers and the Special Branch were directed to collect details about such shops.

Legal action would also be taken against shopkeepers found selling such material. The capital police will seek help from their counterparts in Rawalpindi to issue similar notices to shops selling such material and take action against motorists using flecking lights and tinted glasses.

However, action will not be taken against factory-fitted tinted glasses.

The police said the step was being taken due to security concerns. In a number of robberies and street crimes in the capital, the culprits used police gadgets, including revolving and flickering lights, on their vehicles.

In Dec 2018, the district administration cancelled all permits issued to motorists for using tinted glasses on vehicles. These permits were issued to the motorists due to different reasons. The permits were cancelled in response to directives issued by the interior ministry.

There are three categories of tinted glasses: 35pc, 65pc and 100pc. The usage of 100pc tinted glasses is not allowed except for factory-fitted tinted glasses on imported vehicles.

Motorists using tinted glasses due to health issues, including sensitive skin, were asked to use cartons and shades instead of tinted glasses. The factory-fitted 35pc and 65pc tinted glasses on imported vehicles were to be issued permits by the deputy commissioner.

Published in Dawn, January 11th, 2019