WHILE there is a myriad of issues on the roads of Karachi because of the lack of facilities and infrastructure, motorists themselves are adding to their own troubles by using blinding white LED and laser headlights after sunset. In recent months, it has become nearly impossible to drive safely at night.

A large number of car-owners, and even motorcyclists, have replaced the standard yellow factory halogens on their vehicles with cheap, high-intensity and completely unaligned white LED or laser lights.

Because these local modifications lack proper beam cut-offs, they scatter intense light directly into the eyes of oncoming drivers. The resulting ‘flash blindness’ leaves motorists virtually blind for several critical seconds, making it impossible for them to spot pedestrians, motorbikes or Karachi’s rather infamous potholes and open manholes.

While the traffic police had previously announced bans and crackdowns under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code, enforcement remains temporary and weak. These illegal light kits continue to be sold openly and installed across auto-markets in the city.

Public safety must not be sacrificed for the sake of aesthetics, if this is what it is considered, or personal preference. The Karachi traffic police should launch a sustained, zero-tolerance campaign against violators. Furthermore, strict action must be taken against the retailers and shops importing and selling these hazardous modifications. Driving in Karachi is already quite stressful. Let us not make it fatal by allowing this preventable blinding menace to continue unchecked.

Nijabat Ali Mughal
Karachi

Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2026