Traffic police draw public ire for 'selective application' of law

Groups of cops hold up motorists, ignore illegal rickshaws

KARACHI:

The traffic police are drawing criticism for their alleged selective targeting of car and motorcycle drivers on major roads of the metropolitan city, in defiance of IGP Ghulam Nabi Memon's orders. This "selective application of law" has created inconvenience for commuters, particularly on Rashid Minhas Road near Millennium Mall.

While traffic police sleuths focus on flagging cars and motorcycles, other flagrant violation of rules go unchecked. At stone's throw from these police temporary roadblocks, unregistered six-seater rickshaws ply the roads openly, with no action from the same cops. Many of these rickshaws operate with dangerous LPG gas cylinders installed under passenger seats - something banned in public transport due to safety concerns.

Heavy vehicles, such as water bowsers, trucks, dumpers, coaches, and buses, are also seen defying traffic rules with impunity, causing road crashes and chaos. Yet, these violations seem to escape the "watchful" eyes of traffic police, raising questions about enforcement priorities.

The arbitrary stopping of car and motorcycle drivers on main roads has led to heated arguments between sleuths and commuters. Traffic Police officers often cluster at snap-checking points, creating bottlenecks and worsening traffic snarls. This selective application of traffic laws has fueled public frustration.

The situation is particularly worrisome for auto-rickshaws, whose drivers often lack education and awareness of traffic rules. Many operate without registration, while the use of LPG cylinders remains a safety concerns. Despite this, Traffic Police appear to turn a blind eye, leading to road tragedies.

Despite IGP Memon's orders to avoid unnecessary roadblocks and inconvenience to commuters, the practice continues unabated. When contacted for comments on the unchecked operations of six-seater rickshaws and the ongoing snap-checking, DIG Traffic Ahmed Nawaz Cheema declined to respond.