The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) and the Traffic Engineering Bureau (TEB) to become party on a petition seeking a ban on entry of heavy traffic into the city.
Appearing before a two-member SHC bench, headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmad Abbasi, the petitioner's counsel submitted that his client had filed a plea against the use of Sunset Boulevard in DHA by heavy traffic.
At the time, the DIG Traffic had told the court that on average 2 to 3 persons died in traffic accidents every day. The government's lawyer stated that the court had sought a detailed answer from the Chief Secretary Sindh.
The court remarked that there has been no response from the federal government. The Chief Secretary Sindh has submitted a detailed report.
The court asked the Public Prosecutor if there was any transport policy. Justice Abbasi, while giving remarks, said that the roads are dilapidated due to heavy traffic. All the rules related to heavy traffic are there, they should be implemented.
He further remarked that the court will issue an order according to the law, if someone wants to go on strike, they can do that.
"What steps does the Transport Secretary take? Incidents have also been reported in which the truckers ran over traffic officials if they dared to stop them. Traffic police officers also have families," the judge remarked. "A policy should be prepared in consultation with all the stakeholders to solve the problem. Awareness should be provided to the people to obey the laws," Justice Abbasi said. The petitioner's counsel submitted that suggestions have been made on the issue of heavy traffic. The Public Prosecutor said that recommendations to amend the rules are under consideration.
Justice Abbasi inquired as to how the DIG allows heavy traffic to pass through the bridges which shake when the loaded trucks drive on them.
The petitioner's counsel submitted that it is the NHA's responsibility to implement the policy. There are many institutions in the city which also have different jurisdictions.
A lawyer for the transporters stated that 70% of Karachi's signals are not working and there are no signboards either.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 26th, 2023.
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