A huge undertaking

The proposal by the Government of Sindh’s home ministry to equip old and newly manufactured motorcycles with tracking technology is lofty. Although the intentions behind the idea are amenable, one wonders whether there might be a better way to mitigate crime in Sindh, particularly in Karachi. For a city with a population that is expanding out of the control of police and intelligence services, the plan to install tracking devices, the cheapest of which will cost Rs5,000, will perhaps prove too arduous.

Use of motorcycles is ubiquitous across the city. They provide an inexpensive and quick mode of transportation due to their maneuverability, notwithstanding the safety risks involved especially when there is overloading or riders not wearing helmets. It is unclear how motorcyclists, who generally fill fuel tanks for just Rs50 at a time, will afford trackers. Further, to trace every motorcycle in the city, especially the unregistered ones, is a gargantuan task. It is undeniable that the traffic police are ineffective in encouraging motorcyclists from following rules for their own safety, such as obeying red lights and driving on the correct side of the road instead of the oncoming lane. Thus, it is unclear how motorcycle owners would be willing to purchase a device for the purpose of others’ safety.

Plans to mandate tracking devices could use deeper thinking. While the idea to configure a way to reduce crime and catch criminals is long overdue, other options can be exercised for this. Enhanced cell phone tracking is one way. Another is gun control, which is how criminals assume power in a mugging situation. Furthermore, cameras and better surveillance should be employed. Lastly, of course, is to determine root causes of crime, one of which is destitution. Providing better wages and ensuring labour rights for employees for honest work would dissuade many from crime. The ministry should rethink this strategy and determine whether tracking is a realistic goal or not.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 15^th, 2017.

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