KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly on Monday witnessed an extensive debate on Karachi’s traffic woes, frequent accidents involving heavy vehicles and the controversial e-challan system, with the provincial government defending its measures and opposition lawmakers demanding greater accountability and relief for citizens. Sindh Home Minister Zia Ul Hassan Lanjhar told the House that the Sindh government was working with complete seriousness to improve Karachi’s traffic system and reduce accidents, but expressed regret that some political parties were engaging in political point-scoring instead of supporting government efforts. He made these remarks while responding to a call-attention notice moved by Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), lawmaker Muhammad Maaz Mehboob during a session presided over by Speaker Awais Qadir Shah. Raising the issue, Maaz asked what concrete steps had been taken to prevent accidents caused by heavy traffic in Karachi. The home minister acknowledged that accidents involving trucks, trailers and dumpers were occurring regularly and confirmed that nearly 250 people had lost their lives so far. He said the government fully understood the seriousness of the situation and informed the House that a special committee had already been formed on Friday to address traffic management, regulation of heavy vehicles and related issues. He stressed that traffic problems could only be resolved through collective efforts, adding that it was unfortunate that some political parties were politicising the issue. Detailing enforcement measures, Lanjhar said a fine of Rs100,000 was imposed on trailers for traffic violations, and in some cases a single vehicle had been challaned up to three times in one day. He added that trackers had been installed on more than 12,000 trucks and dumpers operating in Karachi to monitor their movement. The home minister also linked road accidents to poor compliance with traffic laws, pointing out that many motorcyclists do not wear helmets despite repeated awareness campaigns. He stressed that public cooperation was essential to reduce fatalities on the roads. During the proceedings, MQM lawmaker Aamir Siddiqui moved an adjournment motion against the e-challan system, terming it unjust and burdensome for citizens. However, he later withdrew the motion after the home minister clarified that a House committee had already been constituted to review the e-challan mechanism and traffic fines. Other civic issues were also discussed during the session. MQM’s Abdul Basit complained that funds for union councils had been increased from Rs500,000 to Rs1.2 million, yet no visible development work was seen on the ground. He said citizens were often told by UC chairmen that funds were not available and stressed that corruption could not be eliminated without proper accountability. Responding to the concern, Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Siraj Qasim Soomro said he took the member’s suggestion positively. He confirmed that UC funds had been increased in the previous budget and acknowledged that funds were previously released without utilisation reports. However, he said the government was now moving towards making utilisation reports mandatory. In another call-attention notice, MQM lawmaker Shariq Jamal highlighted the acute shortage of drinking water in his constituency, PS-90, particularly in Moeenabad and F-South, where residents were forced to buy water from donkey carts. Soomro said the Water Board had been directed to repair the water line, adding that a pumping station had also turned into a dumping site. He said a new water line had been laid under the Karachi Augmentation project and that the existing 10-inch line would be upgraded. On a point of order, MQM member Nasir Qureshi informed the House that three children from Hyderabad had been missing for the past six days and alleged that the administration was not responding. Earlier, the House took up the Question Hour of the Women Development Department, during which Provincial Minister Shaheena Sher Ali responded to written and supplementary questions from members. She said the department receives daily calls on its helpline from distressed women, with monthly complaints ranging between 300 and 500. She said all complaints are registered, legal assistance is provided in property-related cases, and complainants are called in to resolve their issues. She further informed the House that the department had also assisted a distressed woman from Lahore by providing rent and other facilities. Shaheena Sher Ali said the Women Development Department was working to empower women, adding that people from all walks of life bring their problems to the department. During the session, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) lawmaker Saima Agha welcomed karate medallist Mansoor Khan to the Sindh Assembly and extended her best wishes. Later, the Sindh Assembly session was adjourned until 2:30 pm on Tuesday. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025