KARACHI: The Sindh government has announced new rules to improve traffic flow and safety on Karachi’s I.I. Chundrigar Road, often called the city’s “Wall Street.” The goal is to better manage traffic and enforce regulations in this busy area.
According to the details, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah gave these instructions after a meeting on traffic management in Karachi, according to his spokesperson, Abdur Rasheed Channa.
The new rules include a ban on parking along I.I. Chundrigar Road, from Shaheen Complex to Merewether Tower. The Chief Minister also directed authorities to prohibit parking for all vehicles on roads from Muhammad Bin Qasim Road to Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed Road up to S.M. Law College.
I.I. Chundrigar Road is a key financial area in Karachi’s central business district, home to the Pakistan Stock Exchange, major banks, and other financial institutions.
Traffic police informed the Chief Minister that parking will be banned on both pavements and main roads. However, drivers can park their vehicles at the Railway Ground.
— ALSO READ —
Pakistan sees 12% growth in rooftop solar power
The Chief Minister instructed authorities to take action against traffic violations and illegal parking. Vehicles with fancy or illegal number plates will be seized.
Traffic police also reported that they are cracking down on vehicles with unregistered or non-standard number plates. Only official number plates will be allowed. Deputy Inspector General of Police (Traffic) Pir Muhammad Shah assured the Chief Minister that the police are working to enforce these traffic rules.
The Sindh government recently approved other changes, including a ban on four-seater rickshaws, mandatory vehicle fitness checks by third parties, and higher fines for traffic violations.
Both commercial and non-commercial vehicles must now have fitness certifications. The government also banned the sale of tinted windows, fancy lights, and sirens, both online and in stores.
New fines were set for traffic violations. Driving the wrong way will result in a fine of Rs200,000 for government vehicles, Rs100,000 for other four-wheelers, and Rs25,000 for motorcycles.
— ALSO READ —
Govt to build Arshad Nadeem sports academy in Islamabad
Driving without a valid license will lead to a Rs25,000 fine for motorcyclists and Rs50,000 for car drivers. One-wheeling or drifting will carry a Rs100,000 fine for the first offense, with fines increasing to Rs200,000 and Rs300,000 for repeat violations.
These measures were introduced due to a rise in traffic accidents, especially those involving dumpers and water tankers, which caused nearly 500 deaths and 4,879 injuries in 2024.
Separately, the federal government has shifted 16 major development projects in Sindh to the Ministry of Housing, instead of the provincial government. Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah called this decision an attack on Sindh’s autonomy. These projects are part of the 2025-2026 budget and aim to improve infrastructure in cities across Sindh.
The projects involve roads, sewerage systems, and water supply in cities like Hyderabad, Karachi, Sukkur, Nawabshah, and Mirpurkhas. For example, Hyderabad will get new sewerage lines and roads, while Karachi’s projects cover districts like Central, East, Korangi, Malir, and West. These efforts aim to improve urban living and address infrastructure challenges.
Chief Minister Shah criticized the federal government’s decision, saying it weakens the provincial government’s authority. He argued that such moves could reduce Sindh’s control over its development projects and resources. Shah stressed that the Sindh government is best suited to address local needs.
The projects now under the Housing Ministry include water supply, sewerage lines, street lighting, and other infrastructure upgrades. In Hyderabad, water pipelines from Hussainabad to Kohsar are now managed by the federal government. In Karachi’s Central district, a park and sports facilities will be built. Several other urban projects across Sindh are also now under federal control.
