DRIVING in Multan has become extr- emely dangerous because of frequent violation of traffic rules. Traffic violation is particularly common at U-turns, where multiple vehicles and bikes come from the opposite direction. These motorcyclists behave as if their two-wheelers have no brakes or they are unstoppable. Even one-way roads in the city have now become multi-way entities because people from all directions use all roads with zero disc- rimination. Every road is for everyone.
Motorcycles, auto-rickshaws and carts are supposed to use the extreme left lane of the road, but somehow they seem to be in love with just the opposite, moving in the extreme right lane and affecting the traffic flow. Besides, the entry and exit points are blatantly ignored by just about everyone. Traffic signals at most crossings are either out of order, or are deliberately kept shut down. Even if there is a police official on duty, the traffic still moves in an autopilot mode. This creates traffic mess, and causes anxiety, accidents and conflicts.
As things stand, roads in Multan present a scene of some circus where everyone is a juggler. The traffic police must do its job properly, and take strict action against every single violator of traffic rules.
Dr Zia Ahmed
Multan
Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2024
