MQM-P criticises the government for ‘unfair’ traffic penalties in Karachi

Legislators from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) have denounced the Sindh government’s recently implemented system of substantial traffic fines and demerit points, characterising it as “an unequivocal injustice” to the residents of Karachi and indicative of the provincial government’s “ineptitude and corruption.”

In a joint statement released on Friday, MQM-P MPAs asserted that Karachi, the nation’s economic hub, persists in its suffering owing to prolonged neglect during the PPP administration. The ruling party was accused of implementing partial policies, misappropriating development funds, and neglecting to provide essential civic services.

“The roads of Karachi are replete with potholes, traffic signals are frequently nonfunctional, and the urban infrastructure is generally deteriorating.” “Under these circumstances, levying substantial penalties on citizens is not only inequitable but also a conspicuous effort to obscure the government’s shortcomings,” the statement asserted.

The legislators condemned the PPP-led Sindh administration for purportedly misappropriating billions of rupees designated for the development budget, while neglecting to provide the metropolitan city with vital amenities, including road maintenance, drainage enhancements, and traffic system improvements.

“Instead of addressing the fundamental problems, the government has chosen to impose excessive fines on an already burdened populace,” they stated.

They emphasised that systems such as demerit points are generally implemented in wealthy nations, where inhabitants enjoy safe, efficient, and modern infrastructure – a stark contrast to the situation in Karachi, where commuters encounter daily hazards.