KARACHI: The Additional Inspector General of Karachi Police, Javed A. Odho, announced the forthcoming addition of approximately 470 police personnel to the force as part of a long-term strategy to maintain law and order in the city. During a visit to the SITE Association of Industry, Odho emphasized the importance of collaboration between the administrations of District Keamari and District Central to address persistent traffic congestion from Siraj Kassam Teli flyover to Nazimabad underpass.
Odho underscored the significance of coordination for effective policing and lauded the business community's contributions. He acknowledged the challenges in managing traffic issues and highlighted the necessity for fostering mutual respect between police and citizens.
Discussing the Safe City Project, Odho highlighted the requirement of proper-sized number plates to identify fake ones. He projected an increase in traffic violations, with fines to be delivered directly to offenders’ homes. He suggested allocating 15% of traffic fines as incentives for police and encouraged the business sector to invest in public transportation and rehabilitation of drug addicts.
Addressing concerns on weapon displays, Odho advised heavy vehicle owners to install side panels, CCTV cameras, and trackers. He also proposed deploying tow-trucks near traffic-prone areas during peak hours to alleviate congestion.
SITE President Ahmed Azeem Alvi welcomed Odho and highlighted the SITE area's economic contributions. He urged the construction of separate roads for heavy traffic and emphasized the need for addressing drug addiction issues in the area.
Chief Coordinator Saleem Parekh praised the traffic police's behavior and called for sustainable solutions to traffic disruptions. Former Chairman Tariq Yousuf emphasized the enforcement of traffic rules and action against arms displays. Majyd Aziz advocated for mandatory helmets for bikers and expressed concerns over the SITE area's negative perception.
SVP Khalid Riaz acknowledged the decline in crime rates and requested attention to pending infrastructure projects. Chairman Law and Order Abdul Hadi detailed the improvement in crime rates and suggested operational changes in police proceedings.
The meeting was attended by various community and business leaders who collectively discussed enhancing law enforcement and infrastructure in the SITE area.