In a notable incident during a traffic enforcement drive in Karachi, a minor driver fled after running a red light right under the watchful eye of the city’s traffic police chief, Syed Pir Muhammad Shah. The event unfolded on Wednesday at Teen Talwar in Clifton, where authorities were targeting vehicles with unauthorized fancy number plates and tinted windows.
The 16-year-old was initially stopped by traffic police for underage driving, reckless conduct, and reportedly using a flashing light resembling those used by police on his vehicle. After stepping out of the car briefly, he seized the moment to re-enter the vehicle and speed away, violating the traffic signal and evading officers. This occurred directly in front of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Traffic, raising questions about the enforcement’s effectiveness during the campaign.
The crackdown is part of a province-wide operation initiated on April 1 under Sindh government directives, focusing on vehicles displaying fake, fancy, or non-standard number plates. Additionally, strict inspections of tinted windows are being enforced.
During the same operation at Teen Talwar, another vehicle with tinted windows and a fancy number plate was stopped. The female driver reportedly caused a disturbance before police imposed a Rs20,000 fine. Officials emphasized that all vehicles must comply with government-approved number plate standards and that those without registration plates will face penalties.
Motorcyclists have been instructed to display number plates on both the front and rear of their bikes. Citizens awaiting official plates from the Excise Department are advised to use temporary plates designed approved specifications.
This ongoing campaign is a joint effort involving district police, traffic police, the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), and the Excise Department. As part of the initiative, drivers found without valid licenses are being issued learner permits on the spot to ensure legal compliance.
