Tensions flared in Karachi late Monday night when a speeding water tanker struck and killed a motorcyclist near Jail Chowrangi, once again raising concerns over road safety in the metropolis.
The accident sparked public outrage, with enraged citizens setting five water tankers on fire near the crash site. However, firefighters responded promptly, extinguishing the flames and preventing further damage.
Taking immediate notice of the situation, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar directed police officials to submit a detailed report on the accident and the ensuing violence.
The minister also stressed the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and additional measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
This tragic incident comes amid a concerning rise in traffic-related fatalities in Karachi. In the past two months alone, at least 100 people have died in road accidents across the city.
Out of these fatalities, 72 occurred in urban areas, while 24 were reported in suburban regions. Additionally, at least eight lives were lost in four separate dumper truck accidents.
In response to the rising number of deaths caused by heavy vehicles, the Sindh government recently imposed a ban on their entry into the city during daytime. As per provincial directives, dumpers are now only allowed in Karachi between 10pm and 6am.
Monday’s tragedy has reignited demands for stricter road safety measures and better enforcement of traffic regulations to reduce the increasing number of accidents in the city.
Government’s Response
Following a series of dumper truck-related fatalities earlier this month, Sindh’s Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon addressed the media on February 13, outlining government initiatives to curb road accidents.
The Sindh government has made fitness and registration mandatory for all heavy transport vehicles. Moving forward, all large vehicles must possess a valid fitness certificate to operate. Those lacking certification will be prohibited from use.
Memon further stated that the water board has introduced a barcode system for all registered water tankers operating from authorized hydrants. Only vehicles meeting the required safety standards will be issued barcodes, while unregistered vehicles will be seized.
Additionally, previously registered vehicles will undergo re-evaluation to ensure continued compliance with safety regulations.
A 30-day grace period has been granted for heavy transport vehicles to obtain fitness certificates.
Furthermore, the operational hours for dumper trucks in Karachi have been revised. Previously allowed on roads from 11pm to 6pm, they are now restricted to between 10pm and 6am to ease congestion and improve public safety.
“Accidents Should Not Be Politicized”
Speaking on the program “Geo Pakistan,” Sindh Government Spokesperson Sadia Javed emphasized that authorities are taking necessary precautions to prevent tanker-related accidents.
However, in response to this incident, she firmly stated that accidents should not be politicized and should be treated as unfortunate incidents rather than political issues.
“Political forces should not give this issue an ethnic color,” she said.
When asked about a statement made by Muhajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H) leader Afaq Ahmed, she responded, “Afaq Ahmed made a statement, and the government took action as it will not allow any law and order situation to arise.”
She further urged the public to remain patient and cooperate with the government in enforcing safety measures.
