RECENTLY, I was travelling from Hyderabad to Khairpur Mirs by public transport. The driver of our van seemed to be driving in a reckless manner, as if he was intoxicated. The lives of all the passengers were at risk because of his irresponsible behaviour.
At Bhit Shah, close to the city of Hala, the van actually brushed passed a truck, and lost a sideview mirror in the incident, but it had no impact on the driver and he continued unperturbed.
While all this was happening, I used my cellphone to call the National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) helpline and told the operator about the driver’s recklessness. The operator assured me that the lives of the 22 passengers on the van would be protected and that a police unit would soon be on its way to help us.
When we reached the Naushahro Feroze bypass, the police unit was there waiting. It stopped the van. A policeman came over and asked the passengers what exactly was going on. He then spoke to the driver and gave him a speeding ticket. This had a positive impact on the driver, and things became much better thereafter.
The incident only proves that the NHMP is the most responsible police force in the country, which should be a model force for all the provincial police forces. Besides, people should seek help on motorways whenever they encounter reckless drivers.
Saira Niaz
Karachi
Published in Dawn, December 3rd, 2022
