By Ahsan Mughal
KARACHI: The opposition leader in Sindh, Ali Khursheedi, voiced strong concerns over the city’s approach to rising traffic fines during a session of the provincial Interior Committee on Tuesday, warning that penalties alone would not solve the chronic congestion and road safety issues plaguing Karachi.
Khursheedi criticized the government’s reliance on hefty fines as the primary tool for regulating traffic, describing it as an incomplete solution that unfairly burdens commuters, particularly motorbike riders and residents of lower- and middle-income households. “Simply increasing fines will not resolve congestion or make our roads safer,” he said, calling for a more comprehensive and practical strategy.
The opposition leader urged authorities to focus on improving the city’s basic traffic infrastructure, including properly functioning signals, clearly marked lanes, and regular maintenance of roadways. He highlighted that many of Karachi’s major thoroughfares lacked sufficient lane demarcations, and that numerous traffic lights were either malfunctioning or completely out of service, creating confusion and endangering drivers and pedestrians alike.
Khursheedi also called for greater transparency and fairness in the enforcement of traffic laws, emphasizing that fines should be proportionate and complemented by awareness campaigns and technological solutions to monitor traffic flow. He warned that continuing the current approach without addressing structural issues risked alienating the public and undermining road safety efforts.
His remarks reflect growing frustration among city commuters, who face daily gridlocks and inconsistent enforcement, and underline the need for a coordinated approach that balances deterrence with practical support for safe and efficient urban travel.
