By:M Zaeem Saqib
In 2024, Islamabad Traffic Police, under the command of SSP Muhammad Sarfraz Virk, worked tirelessly to serve the nation and maintain Islamabad as a safe city. The year saw several high-profile events, including the SCO Summit-24 and Vibe Fest, where international singer Bohemia performed. These events posed significant challenges to traffic management, but the Islamabad Traffic Police rose to the occasion, ensuring smooth traffic flow and enforcing traffic rules.
The Islamabad Traffic Police took stern legal action against over 800,000 commuters who violated traffic rules. This included issuing challan tickets to more than 107,000 vehicles for illegal parking, over 64,000 for fancy number plates, and 17,852 vehicles for tinted glasses. Additionally, 56,752 tickets were issued to motorcycle riders without helmets, 16,550 for overloading, and 25,555 for lane violations.
In addition to enforcement, the Islamabad Traffic Police provided various public services. Over 64,395 driving licenses were issued in accordance with international standards, and 62,876 licenses were renewed. More than 112,000 learner permits were also issued to citizens applying for driving licenses.
The Islamabad Traffic Police maintained the flow of traffic in various areas of the federal capital, despite ongoing construction projects in development areas. Six designated traffic counters were established at Police Khidmat Markaz, and various units such as Facilitation on Wheel, Education on Wheel, Highway Patrol, Night Patrol, and Smart Traffic Response Units were formed.
To raise public awareness about traffic rules and road safety, the Islamabad Traffic Police organized 893 workshops in various private and public schools, institutions, and traffic areas of Islamabad. Over one million citizens were educated about road safety and traffic rules through these workshops.
Several reforms were implemented by the Islamabad Traffic Police in 2024. These included the establishment of the Islamabad Traffic Police Education Complex, maintaining the flow of traffic during office hours, and the installation of traffic signboards on various highways to guide citizens.
The facility of online renewal and driving license renewal was provided to senior citizens above 70 years of age by visiting their homes. Seven “Friends of Police” and four “Police Volunteers” badges completed the internship program, and five flower candy campaigns and two workshops were organized with the support of a private company.
In consideration of the health of the police officers in the traffic division, two special medical camps were organized where officers underwent free medical screenings and received useful advice from medical experts.
Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Islamabad, Muhammad Sarfraz Virk, commended the performance of the Islamabad Traffic Police, stating that millions of vehicles and motorcycles enter Islamabad daily, making it a very difficult task to maintain the flow of traffic and enforce traffic rules. Despite this, the Islamabad Traffic Police continues to perform professionally and will keep fulfilling its duties to the best of its abilities within the available resources .
The Islamabad Traffic Police has demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to serving the nation and maintaining Islamabad as a safe city. Their efforts to enforce traffic rules, provide public services, and raise public awareness about road safety have been commendable. As the city continues to grow and develop, the Islamabad Traffic Police will remain a vital component of its infrastructure, working tirelessly to ensure the safety and smooth traffic flow of its citizens.
