PMA decries steep traffic fines as unsustainable

Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro --IV file photo

Doctors warn of mental health toll and potential for social unrest under new penalty regime.

IV Report

KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has expressed opposition to the Sindh government’s decision to impose steep fines on traffic rule violators, warning that the policy could place an undue financial burden on citizens and adversely affect public mental health.

In a statement issued on June 11, PMA Secretary General Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro conveyed the association's "grave concern" over the decision, terming it an unsustainable and potentially harmful approach to traffic management issues. The association fears the move may aggravate the law and order situation in the province, rather than improve compliance with traffic regulations.

The PMA leadership emphasised that while promoting traffic discipline is important, increasing fines alone is not a viable long-term solution. “The government should focus on sustainable strategies such as honest and consistent implementation of existing laws, enhanced public awareness campaigns, and significant improvements in road infrastructure,” the statement said.

The doctors’ body further argued that the imposition of heavy fines would disproportionately impact citizens already struggling with widespread economic challenges, including the shortage of essential services like water, electricity, and gas, as well as surging utility costs. “Introducing another layer of financial penalties will only intensify public frustration and could have serious psychological repercussions,” the statement noted.

The PMA questioned the efficacy of punitive measures in achieving lasting behavioral change. “Will heavy fines truly ensure adherence to traffic laws?” the association asked, suggesting that enforcement without systemic reforms may only irritate the public and fuel corruption within the enforcement apparatus.

The association also raised concerns about the potential for increased public resentment and social unrest. “When basic necessities remain unmet and financial burdens continue to rise without structural reforms, such policies risk pushing citizens toward greater discontent, potentially leading to a breakdown in civic order,” it warned.

Reiterating its call for a more balanced and thoughtful approach, the PMA urged the provincial government to withdraw the proposed penalties and prioritise reforms that address the root causes of traffic mismanagement. “A solution grounded in transparency, infrastructure development, and public engagement will prove far more effective than punitive measures that risk harming societal stability,” the statement concluded. 

With an uninterrupted 23-year career in daily journalism (1991-2013), the author/editor of this blog currently serves as Editor of Social Track, a weekly newspaper focused on social sectors, based in Karachi. Holding a master's degree in Mass Communications from the University of Karachi (1990), his professional experience includes roles as senior reporter at Daily Dawn, Karachi (May 2001-August 2013) and Chief Reporter at The News International, Karachi (April 1991-May 2001). He has a strong background in development journalism, he has an extensive portfolio of news stories, analytical reports and features covering a wide range of sectors. He has had the privilege of covering numerous high-profile figures, including Pakistani presidents, prime ministers, army chiefs, foreign dignitaries, and VVIPs and attending conferences and workshops abroad. He began his journalism career in the early 1980s. Throughout his career, he has received several national awards from government and private organisations. He has contributed to various radio and TV/channel broadcasts and has also served as a trainer at workshops in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, focused on training journalists.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

KU syndicate takes decisions on appointments, terminations

Image
IV report KARACHI: Under Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid M Iraqi's guidance, the University of Karachi (KU) syndicate made key decisions on August 31, including appointments of department chairpersons, termination of two lecturers. The syndicate approved appointments of six department chairpersons and a director of institute: Professor Dr Sobia Anees Shahzad (Sociology), Professor Dr Shamshad Akhtar (Geography), Professor Dr Abdul Wahab (Microbiology), Dr Saima Akhtar (Public Administration), Dr Rahila Rehmat Zehra (Biotechnology) and Zaima Israr Mohiuddin (Commerce). Dr Irfan Aziz was appointed Director of Dr M Ajmal Khan Institute of Sustainable Halophytes Utilisation. The syndicate decided to remove two lecturers of the Physics department --Rabia Najam and Omair Ishaque-- from the services in the light of two separate inquiry reports, said a KU press release. The statutory body also endorsed recommendations of the university’s committee on unfair means for cancellation o...
Read more

KU syndicate greenlights SHEC building on campus, despite reservations

Image
By Mukhtar Alam KARACHI: The University of Karachi (KU) syndicate accepted a request from the Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC) to construct a complex on a two-acre prime land, despite some members' reservations. A four-member committee, headed by Engineer Memon Abdul Jabbar, will finalise the proposed land transfer modalities for the consideration of syndicate. The committee comprises three syndicate members, including two government appointees and a provincial government nominee. Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi chaired the meeting, addressing concerns raised by members, on August 31. According to a KU press release, the Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC) requested two acres of land for its building. The KU syndicate addressed concerns by stipulating that the SHEC building will be non-commercial and the land will remain KU property. “Upon SHEC's departure, KU administration will manage and govern the building." However, independent qua...
Read more

University of Karachi syndicate meeting mired in controversy

Image
IV Report KARACHI: The sixth meeting of the University of Karachi's syndicate for 2024, held on October 31, was marked by intense debate on several issues, including the promotion of 54 university officers to higher grades. A senior faculty member, Dr Riaz Ahmed, a syndicate member, expressed concerns that the university administration applies different criteria for promoting teaching and non-teaching staff. Despite the syndicate approving promotions for over 50 officers in grades 18 to 20, Dr Ahmed pointed out to the chair of the meeting, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid M Iraqi, that the departmental promotion committee violated the syndicate's set policy by not including a syndicate member in the promotion committee, as decided in 2018. He also highlighted that eight candidates received higher grades under the Incentive Scheme, despite already availing of the benefit twice, which undermines the rules. Other contentious issues included disagreements over the minutes of ...
Read more