Karachi police nab dozens in crackdown against street racing

KARACHI: Police arrested dozens of people early Sunday during its ongoing crackdown against reckless motorcycle riders, and vehicles with tinted windows and lacking registration papers. 

Since early morning, police officials had set up pickets in and around Sea View and Phase 8 of the Defence Housing Authority and were conducting strict checking of vehicles on all routes. 

The increased vigilance stems from a fatal road-rage incident last week when a youngster was killed and another injured after an alleged altercation while racing near Phase 8's Do Darya area.

Police officials said they have arrested 28 people for not having registration papers for their vehicles while 35 were held for one-wheeling and having tinted windows on their vehicles. 

PTI's Faisal Vawda caught riding in 'tinted vehicle' 

The police also netted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's local leader, Faisal Vawda, for riding in a vehicle with tinted windows and lacking registration papers. 

Talking to the media from the passenger seat, Vawda said the Land Cruiser is his friend's, adding that he thought the windows were originally tinted black but in case they aren't, the police may remove them. 

When asked if he supports the police action, Vawda said more than checking tints the police should stop those who are "killing on the streets".

Police later took Vawda and his friend to the Darakshan Police Station for further action. 

Big achievement even if one life saved: Siyal

Also on Sunday, Sindh Home Minister Sohail Anwar Siyal conducted a surprise visit of the are to monitor the police action.

Talking to the media, Siyal said even if the authorities are able to save one life lost due to one-wheeling, "it’ll be a big achievement".

He said that the police will also take action against mechanics who alter motorcycles to make them fit for conducting stunts. 

The minister informed that one-wheeling is banned across the city and not just in Do Darya. He also appealed to parents to keep a check and balance on their children. 

Defending the police force, Siyal said several US cities have a higher crime rate than Karachi’s, adding that Karachi's population is higher than that of several countries. 

SSP South Javed Akbar Riaz was accompanying the minister. He told the media separately that they have arrested around 100 people involved in street racing in the last two days.