Karachi Traffic Police Seizes Thousands of Motorcycles in Three Days

A recent drive by the Karachi Traffic Police to impound motorcycles for not having the new excise department-issued number plates has sparked strong reactions from the public, including concerns within the department itself.

Citizens argue that this move is being carried out without lawful authority and could undermine other crucial traffic law enforcement campaigns, such as those targeting helmets, driving without licenses, and wrong-way violations.

Over the past three days, the traffic police have seized nearly 3,000 motorbikes and other vehicles for various violations, including driving without number plates, non-registration, and failure to wear helmets.

Last month, over 43,000 motorbikes were seized during similar operations. However, many of the seized vehicles did not have the new excise department-issued number plates, a requirement that has left many older motorcycles without proper registration.

Citizens have expressed outrage, particularly over the impounding of motorbikes based on substandard number plates. They argue that such extreme measures disproportionately affect the poor, who rely on motorcycles for their livelihoods.

Critics also question the legality of impounding vehicles for lacking excise-issued plates, pointing out that no legal provision justifies this action.

A senior traffic officer confirmed that such impoundments are not legally supported, citing the Motor Vehicles Ordinance. Calls for an awareness campaign and a grace period for vehicle owners have been made before further crackdowns. Meanwhile, the DIG-Traffic defended the action, stating that the excise department had over 60,000 number plates ready for distribution.