KARACHI:
The Sindh government’s recent decision to impose fine of Rs200, 000 on government vehicles caught driving the wrong way is a much-needed step in asserting the rule of law. Public servants, as custodians of the state’s trust and symbols of governance, must be held to higher standards. When those tasked with upholding the law violate it, they not only endanger lives but erode public confidence. This fine acknowledges that government vehicle misuse is more than a traffic offence; it is a matter of public accountability.
But while the government deserves credit for cracking down on one kind of “wrong-way” driving, it must now confront another metaphorical but equally damaging wrong turn: the personal, unauthorised use of government vehicles after working hours. It is a common sight: official vehicles parked outside recreational spots, loaded with picnic baskets and family members; government-number-plated cars zipping through the city on weekends for private errands; drivers ferrying the relatives of officers around town, all under the guise of official privilege. This behavior is not just unethical, but a blatant misuse of public funds, vehicles, fuel and manpower, all paid for by the taxpayer.
Just as driving against the flow of traffic is a physical endangerment of order and safety, using government property for personal leisure is a symbolic endangerment of institutional ethics. It sends the wrong signal to subordinates, normalises privilege over responsibility and further distances public officials from the very people they are meant to serve.
Therefore, it is imperative that the government broadens its definition of “wrong-way” conduct. The illegal use of official vehicles beyond duty hours must be explicitly recognised as a punishable offence, not just internally through departmental memos, but legally with fines, disciplinary action and administrative penalties.
Dr Intikhab Ulfat
Karachi
