Architect of Karachi’s Traffic Reforms Transferred

KARACHI: The Sindh government has transferred Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Traffic Karachi, Syed Pir Muhammad Shah, and appointed Mazhar Nawaz Shaikh in his place.

Syed Pir Muhammad Shah was appointed DIG Traffic Karachi in February last year at a time when the metropolis was facing a sharp rise in traffic accidents and widespread violations of traffic rules. Public resentment against the traffic police had also increased, as motorists—particularly motorcyclists—frequently complained of being stopped and fined on various pretexts.

Soon after assuming charge, Pir Muhammad Shah initiated a series of reforms aimed at improving traffic management and road safety in Karachi. One of his major achievements was the installation of traffic signals at key intersections and the introduction of the Electronic Challan System. The system significantly reduced direct interaction between citizens and traffic police personnel, providing relief to commuters while also contributing to a noticeable decline in traffic violations.

In addition to enforcement reforms, Pir Muhammad Shah focused on long-term solutions to Karachi’s traffic problems. He successfully convinced provincial authorities to consolidate all traffic-related functions under a single entity. As a result, the Sindh government agreed to establish the Karachi Traffic Management Company, which would be responsible for traffic engineering and management. Currently, traffic engineering functions fall under the jurisdiction of the Karachi Development Authority (KDA). The process for forming the proposed company was underway at the time of his transfer.

During his tenure, another notable step taken by the DIG Traffic was the imposition of a ban on auto-rickshaws on major city arteries, including Shahrah-e-Faisal and other important roads. The decision was aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing congestion on these busy routes.

Pir Muhammad Shah also worked towards improving the condition and operational standards of minibuses plying on city roads, recognizing their critical role in Karachi’s public transport system.

Mazhar Nawaz Shaikh inherits a department undergoing significant structural and technological changes, with expectations that ongoing reforms will further improve traffic discipline and road safety in the metropolis.