The federal government has decided to introduce a motorcycle patrol service on highways as a pilot project to strengthen surveillance and security.
The initiative aims to increase security and reduce incidents such as fence thefts along highways, Express News reported.
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan stressed the need for 30 to 35 motorcycles to patrol different sectors simultaneously.
He ordered the Motorway Police to launch the service using its existing resources in an initial phase, with plans for further expansion.
The project will involve collaboration between the National Highway Authority (NHA), Highway Patrol, Frontier Works Organization (FWO) and local police to ensure its effectiveness.
The minister stressed the importance of a solid mechanism to make highway travel safer.
He proposed amendments to the legislation to expand the powers of the highway police and increase their responsibilities.
To combat fence theft, Abdul Aleem Khan called for identification of high-risk areas and emphasized accountability.
He said NHA officers and highway police would be held responsible for incidents of theft in their respective areas.
Additionally, the minister ordered the replacement of damaged or stolen fences and ordered the Inspector General of Traffic Police to work with local law enforcement to track theft cases.
He also requested that a full report on coordinated actions be presented within a week.
Moreover, to improve mobility and avoid traffic jams in the port city, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah will inaugurate the first section of the single high-speed corridor of the Malir Expressway tomorrow.
The initial 9.1 km stretch from Korangi Causeway to Shah Faisal Interchange was a major step in improving Karachi’s infrastructure, which would help ensure better connectivity and traffic flow .
The 40 km long two- and three-lane Malir Expressway, built under a public-private partnership (PPP), would connect Korangi Creek Avenue (DHA) to Katore, near the M-9 Expressway (Highway ). This project would significantly reduce travel time and provide a vital link for commuters.
The first phase includes a ramp to speed up traffic, as well as a connecting flyover from Korangi, which is expected to be completed within two months.
Road rehabilitation projects at Jam Sadiq, EBM and Shah Faisal interchanges are in full swing. Encroachments have been removed at Quaidabad interchange and construction is underway.
Officials who briefed the CM and his team said the toll plaza would manage traffic flow, loading R100 cars and jeeps and Rs200 heavy goods vehicles. Security features include traffic police, fire brigade and Rescue 1122 ambulances patrolling the area. The chief minister ordered law enforcement agencies to deploy district and traffic police at major entry and exit points, including Jam Sadiq, EBM and Shah Faisal interchanges. Dedicated traffic police will patrol both sides of the highway to ensure smooth traffic flow.
The section from Shah Faisal Interchange towards Shah Faisal Colony Bridge has been declared a no-parking zone. The highway will only allow commercial vehicles, cars, jeeps and buses, while motorcycles and rickshaws are strictly prohibited from plying it.
