Sindh CM orders random drug testing on heavy vehicle drivers amid rising traffic accidents in Karachi

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday ordered the police and transport authorities in Karachi to conduct random drug tests on drivers of heavy vehicles to ensure safe and responsible driving, following the alarming increase in traffic accidents across the metropolis.
The city has lately witnessed a rise in traffic accidents, especially involving dumpers and water tankers, which killed nearly 500 people and injured 4,879 were in 2024, according to hospital data. The incidents promoted protests over citizens’ deaths, following which the provincial government banned the movement of heavy vehicles during the daytime in Karachi while also mandating them to obtain a vehicle fitness certificate.
Chairing a high-level meeting in Karachi today to address the issue, CM Shah not only ordered random drug tests for drivers but also made it compulsory for all heavy transport vehicles (HTVs), light transport vehicles (LTVs), and public service vehicles (PSVs) to be equipped with trackers, dashcams, and underrun protection devices on the front, sides, and rear, according to a press release from the CM’s House.
“Taking an unprecedented decision, the CM directed the traffic police to conduct random drug tests on drivers of HTVs, LTVs, and PSVs to ensure safe and responsible driving,” the statement said.
He also directed the police to enforce the speed limit in the city. “HTVs will be limited to a maximum speed of 30 km/h within Karachi city limits to reduce the risk of fatal accidents,” he ordered, per the statement.
The meeting, held at CM House, was attended by provincial ministers, Saeed Ghani, Mukesh Chawla, Zia ul Hassan Lanjar, Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, Inspector General of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon, Deputy Inspector General of Traffic Police Pir Mohammad Shah, and other relevant government officials.
The chief minister, expressing his displeasure over the high number of accidents, said that it was “unacceptable”.
“Reckless driving is claiming innocent lives, which is unacceptable,” he said.
He directed the city police to improve traffic discipline by reducing violations through accountability, encouraging responsible driving, and preventing reckless and dangerous behaviour at all costs.
The chief minister made essential decisions for safe and secure traffic management in the city.

Installation of safety equipment

The chief minister observed that most heavy vehicles were not equipped with trackers and dashcams. Therefore, he made it mandatory that all HTVs, LTVs, and PSVs must now be equipped with trackers, dashcams, and underrun protection devices on the front, side, and rear.
CM Murad, talking about water tanker regulations, decided that tankers with leaking or non-compartmentalised containers and those lacking baffle plates will be prohibited from road operations to prevent hazardous spills and instability.
“This decision must be implemented from today,” he said, adding that fitness compliance must be ensured.
The CM directed the traffic police that the vehicles with cancelled fitness certificates would be impounded and would not be allowed back on the roads until deemed roadworthy by the transport department.