Sindh govt recommends relaxation of Section 144 against littering

KARACHI: The Sindh local government department has recommended the relaxation of laws against littering due to multiple complaints lodged alleging the abuse of Section 144. The department stressed on Saturday on imposing fines on citizens for littering instead of arresting them. The approval of the deputy commissioner would now be necessary in case of arrests made in connection with the laws pertaining to littering.

When contacted, Local Government Secretary Roshan Ali Shaikh said that the enforcement of Section 144 against littering has led to abuse of power in some areas. He said that the recommendation is under consideration that police officials be directed to refrain from arresting citizens.

Instead, said Shaikh, the police should issue warnings of fines if a citizen is found littering. In case the warning doesn't deter the citizen and they are caught littering a second time then a fine should be imposed and an arrest can be made only after a third violation, said Shaikh, adding that even then the arrest would be contingent upon approval from the deputy commissioner.

The local government will also launch a campaign the help of senior citizens and school students. "The participants of the campaign would urge people to be more responsible as they would see us picking the garbage thrown by them," said Shaikh.