Governor Sindh stresses Karachi-issued licenses for heavy vehicle drivers

KARACHI: Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori has recommended that drivers of heavy vehicles in Karachi be required to hold driving licenses issued within the city.

In a statement, the governor expressed deep concern over the rising number of traffic accidents involving heavy vehicles, highlighting today’s tragic incident where a dumper claimed the lives of citizens. Tessori pointed out that such accidents have become alarmingly frequent over the past two months.

He revealed that he previously discussed this issue with IG Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon and is now officially addressing the matter through letters to IG Sindh and DIG Traffic.

Governor Tessori stressed that many drivers operating heavy vehicles in Karachi hail from other provinces and lack knowledge of the city’s traffic regulations. He further noted that some of these drivers, primarily highway operators, have been found driving under the influence of drugs.

He urged the authorities to implement stringent measures, stating that heavy vehicle drivers without Karachi-issued licenses should be barred from operating on city roads. The governor also highlighted the growing resentment among Karachi’s citizens due to such incidents and called for enforcement of timing restrictions on dumpers.

Earlier in the day, two motorcyclists lost their lives and three individuals were injured in separate road accidents in Karachi. On Shaheed-e-Millat Road, a speeding car hit two motorcyclists, causing them to fall. A following tanker truck failed to stop in time, running over the motorcyclists and causing fatalities.

In another incident on Shahrah-e-Faisal, two vehicles collided, injuring two women who were provided on-site medical assistance.

Karachi witnessed nearly 9,000 traffic accidents in 2024, resulting in 771 deaths and 8,174 injuries, rescue services reported.