Qasim Jamshaid

Islamabad: Despite multiple accidents and loss of lives at Sangjani Weighbridge, the Motorway Police have failed to learn their lesson. To stop overloaded vehicles, barriers made of crushed stones have been placed in the middle of GT Road at Sangjani Weighbridge, causing traffic jams stretching to Margalla during the night. The risks of fatal accidents have increased. Citizens have demanded higher authorities take notice of the situation.

The proverb “a bad workman blames his tools” aptly reflects the poor strategy of the Motorway Police. To prevent overloaded vehicles, an easy solution was adopted—placing barriers of crushed stones in the middle of GT Road at Sangjani Weighbridge. This leads to nighttime traffic jams stretching to Margalla. Corruption prevention efforts have also failed, as drivers of overloaded vehicles revealed to media representatives that previously, vehicles bypassed the weighbridge without paying, but now they pass through the weighbridge by bribing contract employees. Additionally, fixed rates of PKR 10,000 are charged at Burhan Interchange, Bahtar Interchange, and up to 26 Number Toll Plaza under guaranteed passage.

The carelessness of the Motorway Police is the biggest contributor to fatalities in GT Road accidents. The chaotic traffic on Taxila’s GT Road poses a significant threat. The reasons are not limited to one aspect but encompass several factors that require careful consideration and accountability. These include road construction quality, vehicle safety features, enforcement of traffic laws, and systemic failures.

Imported vehicles in Pakistan often rank lowest in quality by international standards due to systemic negligence. Similarly, Motorway Police patrol vehicles are often seen patrolling in Beat-4, but officials rarely step out of their vehicles, rendering patrolling ineffective.

Sources claim that two long-standing, politically connected officers in Taxila’s Beat-4 have tarnished the Motorway Police’s reputation among the public. Until these officers are transferred, improvement in the situation appears unlikely. Allegedly, whenever their rotational transfers are initiated, influential union members pressure senior officials to reinstate them in Beat-4.

Citizens have urged the IG Motorway to take notice of irregularities in rotational transfers and ensure accountability.