KARACHI, Aug 2: The Sindh Home minister, Rauf Siddiqui, on Tuesday announced a one-month extension in the mandatory use of helmets by motorbike riders. The deadline for the mandatory use of helmets had expired on Monday night and it was decided that from Sept 1, all motorbike riders would be required to wear helmets. He made this announcement at a news conference. There are over 350,000 motorbikes in the metropolis.

Mr Siddiqui also stressed the need for strictly implementing the ban on the entry and movement of heavy and long transport vehicles into the city between 8 and 10 in the morning and between 6 and 8 in the evening for ensuring to overcome the problem of traffic jams and prevent accidents.

The home minister also announced that the government was also planning to open another driving licence office in Korangi to ease pressure. The situation had improved after opening of such office in Nazimabad, he said.