A two-member bench of the Sindh High Court (SHC), headed by Justice Nadeem Akhtar, heard the petition regarding the ban on entry of heavy traffic in the city and ordered to impose a ban on the entry of such vehicles from 6am to 11pm. The bench also ordered to seize the violating vehicles.
The DIG traffic appeared in the court and submitted the report.
Justice Nadeem Akhtar asked “Where is the former DIG traffic? Has he been transferred? Was permission taken from the court for his transfer?”
Justice Nadeem remarked that this shows how seriously the department takes court orders.
Justice Nadeem asked the DIG Traffic if he is aware of the Supreme Court and the High Court orders about the heavy traffic.
On which the DIG said that heavy traffic is allowed to enter the city from 11pm to 6am. Heavy traffic can ply on the road from Super Highway to New Karachi, Manzil Pump to National Highway and from KPT to Northern Bypass.
Justice Nadeem remarked, “we only have to implement the orders of the Supreme Court, heavy traffic should not be seen in the city other than these three routes.”
The DIG said, a link road was to be constructed from M9 to the National Highway. A study is needed for this.
Justice Nadeem remarked that accidents are claiming people’s lives. No heavy vehicle should be allowed to enter the city other than the prescribed hours.
The DIG said, “Fines of Rs10,000 and above are imposed on the violators. However, the penalty is low, so it is not that much effective. Motorcycles and 22-wheel vehicles have the same penalty on violation. We’ll pay more attention to implement the court orders.”
Justice Nadeem said that students are late to reach their colleges and schools while people working in hospitals and other offices are unable to reach their workplaces on time just because of heavy traffic in the city. This is against Article 9 of the Constitution.
The court remarked, addressing the DIG, you are a responsible officer, if you will not implement this order, then who will do this?
The DIG said, “We will also file FIR and seize violating vehicles.”
Justice Nadeem said in his remarks that focus should be on the entry points. If your course and procedure is not right, ask citizens to upload videos with date and time on social media.
The petitioner said that the containers should not be allowed to leave the port before the scheduled time.
Justice Nadeem remarked that no traffic rules are followed in the city. No action is being taken against the vehicles having unauthorised lights and fancy number plates.
DIG informed the court that action has been taken against 15,000 vehicles having fancy number plates.
The court said, in case any institution obstructs the implementation of court orders, the court should be informed. Action should be taken against vehicles having blue and yellow lights and hooters whether they belong to MNAs or MPAs. Do not bow to the pressure from anyone. Publish advertisements in newspapers for public awareness.
The DIG assured the court that case will be registered against violators of traffic rules.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 9th, 2022.
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