THIS is with reference to the report ‘Surge in Karachi fatal accidents attributed to corruption, lax enforcement of laws’ (March 1) which quoted a senior traffic police official as blaming the people for traffic violations and accidents. It is hard to disagree with the claim that violation of traffic laws by the people aggravates the problem on the roads.

However, the statement that the police force is a reflection of society, and, hence, officials take bribes sounds quite defeatist from a public official who is paid to address the issue.

In the mid-1960s, the top pay for a police officer in Chicago, a city in the American state of Illinois, was $4,500 annually; less than $2,500 take-home. One had to pay $100 a day to the sergeant to be a motorcycle cop, and the money would travel up the chain of command due to the poor salary structure. Someone finally convinced the government that such a low salary only ensures a corrupt culture.

Subsequently, the pay was raised, immensely reducing corruption. Imagine how things would be if the thought process was that of our senior traffic police official.

Unfortunately, such ineptitude is causing massive loss of lives and vehicles daily. Traffic is the touchstone of effective governance. When traffic laws are enforced, people know there is an effective government in place, and that they would be punished for violations. This keeps all kinds of petty crimes in check.

Hasan Raza
Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2025