Traffic police in Karachi have finalized a comprehensive traffic management plan for Ramadan aimed at ensuring smoother vehicle movement across the city, especially during the critical hours before iftar. The initiative comes in response to the sharp rise in congestion witnessed every year as commuters rush home in the late afternoon.
According to traffic authorities, special measures will be enforced daily to prevent gridlock on major roads and intersections. One of the most significant steps announced is a ban on water tankers operating between 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm. Officials believe restricting heavy vehicles during peak hours will significantly reduce pressure on key arteries and improve overall traffic flow before iftar.
The DIG Traffic stated that strict action will also be taken against footpath encroachments, illegal parking, roadside pushcarts, and rickshaws that obstruct smooth movement. Markets and commercial areas typically experience severe bottlenecks during Ramadan, and authorities have made it clear that violations will not be tolerated.
To strengthen enforcement, additional traffic personnel will be deployed at busy intersections, roundabouts, and commercial hubs. Senior officers, including SSPs, will remain present in the field to supervise operations directly, while DSPs will monitor the situation through the control room to ensure coordinated action.
A zero-tolerance policy has also been announced for vehicles and motorcycles operating without number plates. Authorities warned that strict penalties will be imposed on violators. Furthermore, rickshaws will be barred from entering major markets during Ramadan, and 26 Qingqi rickshaw routes will remain restricted to prevent unnecessary congestion.
In a move aimed at ensuring discipline, motorcycles involved in double or triple parking will have their wheels chained and will only be released after an e-challan is issued. To enhance transparency and speed up enforcement, traffic officers will be equipped with modern tablets to issue digital challans on the spot.
Officials emphasized that the overarching goal of the Ramadan traffic plan is to facilitate citizens and help them reach home safely and on time for iftar. By combining stricter enforcement with digital monitoring, authorities hope to maintain order and minimize disruptions throughout the holy month.
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