Sindh mandates physical fitness certificate for all heavy vehicles

The decision follows rising fatalities from traffic accidents involving dumper trucks.

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The Sindh government has imposed a ban on vehicles operating without "physical fitness certificates" to curb traffic accidents. on Karachi's roads, acording to an announcment made by Sindh's Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon.

Additionally, new revised timings for dumper trucks have been introduced following a surge in fatal accidents. Dumper trucks are now restricted to operating between 10pm and 6am, adjusted from the previous 11pm to 6am slot for public convenience.

The transport department will issue fitness certificates with barcodes for registered vehicles, including water tankers operated by the Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation. Heavy vehicles have 30 days to comply.

Vehicles from other provinces must obtain a Sindh-issued fitness certificate. The excise department is addressing delays in issuing number plates and increasing motor vehicle inspectors.

Memon warned that unregistered vehicles would be impounded, and showrooms selling them would be sealed. Imported vehicles for Sindh must be registered before sale.

The CM instructed traffic and district police to enhance traffic management. Protests have surged over recent fatal accidents, prompting calls for stricter controls.

Earlier, an anti-terrorism court has remanded 11 suspects, including Muhajir Qaumi Movement (MQM) chairman Afaq Ahmed, into judicial custody on Wednesday. The accused were produced before the court in a bulletproof vehicle.

The prosecutor argued that the accused had incited violence and arson, which spread fear among the public. He stated that Afaq Ahmed's instructions led to the burning of a tanker in Landhi, which caused widespread fear and disruption.

Meanwhile, the defense argued that Afaq Ahmed's arrest did not fall under terrorism charges. Afaq Ahmed's lawyer, Javed Chattari, argued that the burning of the tanker was a result of public frustration with the government's failure to address their grievances.

The prosecutor argued that the burning of the tanker had spread fear throughout the city, justifying the application of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) in the case. He stated that the accused had committed a serious offense, which warranted severe punishment.

The investigation officer stated that the driver and conductor of the tanker were missing, and there were concerns for their safety.

The court, however, rejected the remand request and sent Afaq Ahmed to jail instead. After the hearing, Afaq Ahmed spoke to the media, stating that he was being punished for raising his voice for the city.

He alleged that the government was supporting the "dumper truck mafia" and that the Pakistan Peoples Party was fully exposed in this matter.

The police of different police stations have registered cases against bus and dumper drivers for driving recklessly as a result three citizens including a woman lost their lives.

The Mochko police have registered a case related to the accident in which a motorcyclist named Siddique was crushed by a dumper truck in Msharraf Colony on February 11. Following the accident the police arrested the dumper driver.

Moreover, a case has been registered against the bus driver Munir involved in an accident in which a 24-year-old woman, Ayesha, wife of Faiqar Muhammad, riding a motorcycle, was crushed under the wheels of a bus on Hub River Road on February 10.