Quetta: In a significant move to overhaul traffic management, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Balochistan, Muhammad Tahir, has announced a comprehensive strategy focusing on technology, infrastructure, and public awareness during his visit to the Traffic Police Office.
Chairing a review meeting, the IGP directed officials to take strict and timely action against traffic violators while emphasizing the importance of a citizen-friendly approach from officers. He stressed that public cooperation is essential for effective traffic management.
A key announcement was the plan to develop “model roads” across the province. These roads will feature proper lane markings, functional traffic signals, and organized parking facilities to serve as benchmarks for urban traffic infrastructure.
The IGP underscored the critical role of technology in modernizing the system and called for the full implementation of the 4E strategy—Enforcement, Engineering, Education, and Emergency response—to ensure smooth traffic flow and enhance road safety.
As part of the technological upgrade, new high-tech vehicles were inaugurated, including “Mechanics on Wheels” for rapid response to breakdowns and “Education Hunt” units dedicated to public awareness campaigns. IGP Tahir also highlighted the importance of continuous road safety education, specifically directing that awareness campaigns be regularly conducted in schools and colleges.
SSP Traffic Dr. Muhammad Sami briefed the IGP on the ongoing measures being taken by the traffic police. The visit concluded with a reinforced commitment to making Balochistan’s roads safer through a blend of strict enforcement, improved engineering, and proactive public engagement.
Earlier this week in a high-level meeting chaired by Commissioner Quetta Division Shahzeb Khan Kakar, a comprehensive strategy was approved to tackle the city’s worsening traffic congestion.
The meeting, attended by senior officials from traffic police, administration, and municipal bodies, resulted in a multi-pronged action plan. Key decisions include an immediate crackdown on the estimated 20,000 to 30,000 unregistered rickshaws plying the roads and the swift activation and installation of traffic signals across the city, with specific sites like Manan Chowk and China Chowk prioritized.
Commissioner Kakar issued strict directives to address root causes of gridlock. He ordered consultations with schools on Zarghun Road to stagger closing times and banned all road excavation work without prior notice. To protect infrastructure and ease flow, heavy traffic will be barred from using certain bridges.
The plan also targets illegal parking, with orders to clear taxi stands and motorcycle showrooms that obstruct main roads. The Commissioner emphasized that while short-term fixes like correcting U-turns are underway, long-term projects for underpasses and flyovers are also in the pipeline. All departments have been directed to submit a final action plan for implementation.
