Not conflict, ethics and awareness is the real solution to traffic problems

Tremolo: Mian Nadeem Ahmed

The strength of a state is not determined by its arms, vehicles, uniforms or powers, but by the confidence of the people. When this trust begins to break down, society weakens even though the rule of law is strong. Unfortunately, like many government agencies in Pakistan today, the traffic police is also going through a difficult test of public trust. It is a thought-provoking moment to witness bitter words, threats, scuffles and videos going viral on social media between traffic officials and citizens on the roads every day. The question is not who is to blame, the question is, are these behaviors the solution to a problem?

If the officials who have been appointed to protect the lives and property of the people, if they start messing with the people, then hatred is born, not fear of the law. The enforcement of the law is not by raising the voice but by raising the character. Unfortunately, some officials forget that uniforms convey authority, not superiority. If the citizen is addressed not as a criminal but as a responsible human being, then half of the problems will end there.

It is also a fact that violation of traffic rules is becoming common among people. Signal breaking, riding a motorcycle without a helmet, over speeding, one way violation, wrong parking and using mobile phone while driving is a daily scene. Action against such persons must be, must be, and must be without discrimination. But the action should be in accordance with the requirements of justice, not under any target or pressure.

Sadly, there is a growing public perception that the government has turned most departments into revenue collection machines rather than public service. Each department seems to be busy with its own goals. If the traffic police will consider the success of only increasing the number of challans under the same thinking, then the people will start considering it not as a protector but as a revenue collection agency. If this impression deepens, its consequences will be very dangerous, because the distance between the state and the people is never good for any society.

It needs to be understood that a challan may be worth a few thousand rupees, but one wrong attitude creates years of hatred in the hearts of the people. A harsh sentence, an unnecessary humiliation and an inappropriate manner damage the reputation of the entire organization. Therefore, the most important thing today is to pay special attention to the professional training of the traffic police as well as the moral training. Officers should be taught that an angry citizen is not an enemy but a citizen of the state, to whom it is a duty to speak respectfully within the bounds of the law.

It would also be unfair to say that the entire department is the same. The performance of Chief Traffic Officer Nasir Javed Rana in Faisalabad is a positive example of this. They have focused on consciousness more than Challan. Activated the education wing, organized traffic awareness seminars in schools, colleges, universities, markets and various institutions and made practical efforts to make citizens aware of the importance of the law. This is the mindset that distinguishes a responsible officer from others. The real success of the law is not measured by the number of fines but by the reduction in violations.

Similarly, Public Relations Officer of CTO Faisalabad Ismail Rana is also considered among the police officers who promoted good manners, courtesy and professional relations with the media. The relationship of trust between the media and the police plays an important role in conveying accurate information to the public. When the spokesperson presents the position in a dignified manner, not only the prestige of the institution increases, but traffic awareness campaigns also reach the public in an effective manner.

But the other side of the picture has to be seen. People also should not consider it their right to mess with officials after every mistake. If you have indeed violated the law, respect the law. If injustice has been done to you, instead of fighting on the road, give a written complaint to the concerned officers, especially the Chief Traffic Officer. Civilized nations seek justice from courts, offices and laws, not from shouting in the streets.

Remember, accidents never age. They don't ask whether you are young or old, rich or poor, government employee or laborer. A moment's carelessness can rob a lifetime of happiness. You may be the sole breadwinner of your family, your children are waiting for you, your aged parents are praying for your return. A few seconds of haste, a red signal violation or a trip without a helmet can change the life of not only you but the whole family.

Time has come to stop boasting about the number of challans and focus on increasing the number of safe roads. The police should change their tone, the people should change their attitude and the government should make its institutions real centers of public service instead of mere revenue collectors. State and citizens are not opposites but two wheels of the same vehicle. If even one is punctured, the journey stops.

Finally just one question…

Do we want a traffic where there is fear at every turn, or a system where law and morality are visible at every intersection?

The decision has to be made by the state and also by the people.