DRIVING in Karachi can be hazardous, with chaos on the roads, and very little by way of following rules and regulations. Over the past few weeks, there have been several deadly accidents, mostly involving heavy vehicles, with the latest accident occurring on Tuesday, when an individual in Malir was hit by a public bus. A day earlier, an industrialist and his son died after their vehicle was knocked off the ICI bridge by a fast-moving trailer, even though the movement of heavy vehicles during daylight hours is prohibited. Figures quoted in the media say there have been over 130 fatalities caused by traffic accidents in Karachi so far this year, with more than 1,800 people injured. Last year, around 500 people were killed. The frequency of fatal accidents has led to law and order situations, with protesters often torching errant vehicles. The Sindh government has formed a committee to oversee road safety, but the performance of such committees in other areas of public importance does not inspire confidence.

When it comes to dangerous roads, society as a whole is guilty of contributing to hazardous conditions. The state is, of course, mostly to blame, having failed to enforce the traffic rules, with deadly results. Most often, traffic policemen are busy shaking down motorcyclists or drivers of smaller vehicles, while ignoring those in fancier cars. Moreover, drivers can get away with traffic infractions by stuffing a few notes into the officer’s pocket. Therefore, it is essential that a professional and honest traffic police force be deployed to check violators. In this regard, the Motorway Police has a comparatively better record, and this model can be emulated. There should also be strict vigilance of heavy vehicles moving in the city during prohibited hours. Meanwhile, a careless public is routinely seen breaking the law on the roads. Unless drivers display civic sense, our roads cannot be made safer.

Published in Dawn, February 26th, 2025