The federal government has decided to introduce a motorcycle patrol service on highways as a pilot project to improve surveillance and security.
The initiative aims to strengthen security and curb incidents such as theft of fences along highways, Express News reported.
Federal Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan highlighted the need for 30 to 35 motorcycles to patrol various sectors simultaneously.
It directed the motorway police to launch the service using its existing resources in the first phase, with plans for further expansion.
The project will involve collaboration between the National Highways Authority (NHA), Highway Police, Border Works Organization (FWO) and local police to ensure its effectiveness.
The minister highlighted the importance of a solid mechanism to make highway travel safer.
He suggested amendments to the legislation to expand the powers of the motorway police and increase their responsibilities.
To address fence theft, Abdul Aleem Khan ordered the identification of high-risk areas and emphasized accountability.
He stated that NHA officers and highway police would be responsible for theft incidents in their respective areas.
In addition, the minister ordered the replacement of damaged or stolen fences and ordered the Inspector General of Highway Police to work with local authorities to follow up on cases of theft.
He also requested that a full report on the coordinated actions be submitted within a week.
Also, to improve mobility and avoid traffic jams in the port city, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah will inaugurate the first stretch of the exclusive high-speed corridor Malir Expressway tomorrow.
The initial 9.1 kilometer stretch from Korangi Causeway to Shah Faisal Interchange was a major milestone in improving Karachi’s infrastructure, which would help ensure better connectivity and traffic flow.
The 40 km long two-lane, three-lane Malir Expressway, built under a public-private partnership (PPP), would connect Korangi Creek Avenue (DHA) to Kathore, near the M-9 highway ( superhighway). This project would significantly reduce travel time and provide a vital link for commuters.
The first phase includes a ramp for faster traffic flow, along with a connecting flyover from Korangi, which is expected to be completed within two months.
Road rehabilitation projects at Jam Sadiq Interchange, EBM and Shah Faisal Interchanges are in full swing. Encroachments at Quaidabad crossing have been removed and construction is in progress.
Officials briefing the CM and his team said the toll plaza will manage traffic flow, charging cars and jeeps Rs 100 and heavy vehicles Rs 200. Security arrangements include traffic police, fire brigade and Rescue 1122 ambulances patrolling the area. The Chief Minister has directed law enforcement agencies to deploy district and traffic police at key entry and exit points, including Jam Sadiq, EBM and Shah Faisal crossings. Dedicated traffic police will patrol both sides of the highway to ensure smooth traffic flow.
The section of Shah Faisal junction with Shah Faisal colony bridge has been declared a no-parking zone. The highway will only allow the passage of commercial vehicles, cars, jeeps and buses, while the use of motorcycles and rickshaws is strictly prohibited.
