Sindh govt launches crackdown against unregistered vehicles

The Sindh government announced a crackdown against unregistered vehicles run on open letters, display “applied for registration” notices or faked registration number plates, lack number plates, or have tinted windows.

After last week’s brazen attack on the Karachi Police Office (KPO), the Sindh government has decided to take action on February 28 against vehicles violating the applicable laws.

The owners of these vehicles have been given a week, after which they will all be impounded for violating the applicable laws.

Information and Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Excise and Taxation Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla and the chief minister’s legal adviser Barrister Murtaza Wahab, announced at a press conference at the Sindh Archives Complex following a meeting chaired by the CM.

Memon stated that no one would be spared once this ongoing campaign commences. He stated that no dealer is authorized to sell an unregistered vehicle. “If someone sells an unregistered vehicle that is subsequently used in a crime, the dealership owner will also be held responsible for the crime.”

He added that following the recent attack on the KPO, the provincial government has made significant decisions, including implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for handling similar situations in the future.

He added that the traffic in that area would be managed in such situations. He added that the traffic police would play their part in this, but the public and all other stakeholders are also asked to cooperate fully.

In such situations, the public will be notified through broadcasting organizations, FM radio, and social media to keep their vehicles in one lane, leaving one lane empty and open for police, other law enforcement agencies, ambulances, fire brigades, and other relevant agencies.

As soon as the KPO incident occurred on Friday, the ambulance service of private welfare organizations parked their vehicles in front and said, “We appreciate their initiative, but if ten vehicles are required while 100 vehicles are moved ahead, it will impede police and other law enforcement agencies’ ability to do their jobs.”

Now that the SOPs have been established, vehicles will be permitted to proceed after consulting with the deputy commissioner and senior superintendent of police (SSP) of the relevant areas, he added.

In addition, he stated that the chief secretary would hold a meeting with all private ambulance organizations. He added that media vehicles had also arrived to broadcast breaking news. “In such a circumstance, breaking news is irrelevant. Some channels broadcast that ten terrorists were inside the compound, diverting the police and security agencies attention.

Memon stated that the media must work more responsibly and attentively and consult with the administration in such circumstances. Regarding this, Pemra will also be consulted.

After one week, he said, no one will be permitted to display weapons, and those who do will be arrested and given FIRs. No one will be spared in the campaign, regardless of their influence.

He also stated that government ministers, advisors, assembly members, and opposition party members would receive no concessions. “Only police, rangers, and other law enforcement personnel will be permitted to carry weapons in uniform, while no other official will be permitted to do so out of uniform.”

The minister stated that private security guards are not permitted to carry weapons in uniform. “Anyone involved in the display of weapons will be prosecuted.” The media should back the government in this campaign, and anyone who displays weapons should be called out.

He advised citizens to monitor their neighborhoods and report suspicious activity to the 15 helplines. He added that it is required by law for anyone who rents a house, store, or vehicle to report the transaction to the local police station.

Additionally, he stated that private vehicles resembling those of law enforcement and security agencies would be impounded. He added that these laws are already in place and will be strictly enforced.

Wahab stated during the press conference that a constitution is an agreement between the state and the people. Similarly to the government, the people must also play their part in their implementation, he added.

He stated that all of these laws exist but are not enforced. He added that numerous obstacles hampered the government’s response to the terrorist attack on the KPO. However, in such an emergency, prompt action is necessary.

In addition, he stated that the first victim of this incident was a volunteer for a charity who was rushed to the hospital. “In such a situation, no one should come forward without the permission of the district administration so that the security agencies can work more effectively.”

Wahab added that during the operation against the terrorists, television stations reported that snipers had reached a particular building, and terrorists could exploit such information.

“Terrorist facilitators located far away can transmit these messages to terrorists via mobile phones. The media should demonstrate accountability. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government supports the right to free speech.

In response to a question about the delay in issuing vehicle registration number plates, Chawla stated that this problem was in the past and that, since the issuance of the new design of number plates, his department was making sure that the plates were issued on time.