The federal government has decided to introduce a motorcycle patrol service on highways as a pilot project to improve surveillance and safety.
The initiative aims to strengthen security and limit incidents such as fence theft along motorways, Express News writes.
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan emphasized the need for 30 to 35 motorcycles to patrol different sectors simultaneously.
He directed the highway police to launch the service using their existing resources in the first phase with plans for further expansion.
The project will involve collaboration between the National Highway Authority (NHA), Motorway Police, Frontier Works Organization (FWO) and local police to ensure its effectiveness.
The minister highlighted the importance of a robust mechanism to make highway driving safer.
He proposed changes to the legislation to expand the powers of the highway police and increase their responsibilities.
To tackle fence theft, Abdul Aleem Khan directed identification of high-risk areas and emphasized accountability.
He stated that NHA officers and highway police would be held accountable for theft incidents in their respective areas.
In addition, the Minister ordered the replacement of damaged or stolen fences and directed the Inspector General of Highways Police to work with local law enforcement to follow up on theft cases.
He also requested a comprehensive report on coordinated actions to be submitted within a week.
Also, to improve mobility and avoid traffic jams in the port city, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah will tomorrow inaugurate the first section of the unique high-speed corridor Malir Expressway.
The initial 9.1 km stretch from Korangi Causeway to Shah Faisal Interchange was an important milestone in improving Karachi’s infrastructure, which would help ensure better connectivity and traffic flow.
The two-way and three-lane 40 km long Malir Expressway, built under a public-private partnership (PPP), would connect Korangi Creek Avenue (DHA) to Kathore near the M-9 expressway (Superhighway). This project would significantly reduce travel time and provide an important link for commuters.
The first phase includes a ramp for faster traffic flow along with a connecting flyover from Korangi, which is expected to be completed within two months.
Road rehabilitation projects at Jam Sadiq Interchange, EBM and Shah Faisal Interchanges are in full swing. Encroachments have been cleared at Quaidabad Interchange and construction is underway.
Officials who briefed the CM and his team said the toll plaza will manage traffic flow, charging cars and jeeps R100 and heavy vehicles Rs200. Security arrangements include traffic police, fire brigade and Redning’s 1122 ambulances patrolling the area. The Chief Minister has directed law enforcement agencies to deploy district and traffic police at key entry and exit points including Jam Sadiq, EBM and Shah Faisal Interchanges. Dedicated traffic police will patrol both sides of the highway to ensure smooth traffic flow.
Shah Faisal Interchange to Shah Faisal Colony Bridge section has been declared a no parking zone. The highway will only allow commercial vehicles, cars, jeeps and buses, while motorcycles and rickshaws are strictly prohibited from using it.
