raffic police officers routinely brave noise pollution and verbal abuse. Beyond the stereotypes lies a harsh reality: caught between the demands of duty and the desperation of their financial situation, many struggle.

Consider a typical day in the life of a traffic police officer. It begins early in the morning, with a walk to the bus stop. Some of them have to hitch a ride to duty. Theirs is stressful work. They are constantly switching between traffic management, protecting pedestrians and assisting those hurt in an accident. The job demands sustained vigilance and composure.

***

Chaos erupts suddenly. There is a shrill squeal of tyres followed by a sickening crunch of metal. A heart-wrenching cry pierces the air. Besides a mangled vehicle and shattered glass, there is a wounded man, lying motionless on the asphalt. The cop approaches him and tries to reassure and comfort him.

Around him, horns blare and angry drivers shout, “Clear the road! Move!” The cop tries to remain focused on the victim. “Kuchh karo! (Do something!) Move the traffic!” a bystander yells. Finally, paramedics arrive, rushing to stabilise the victim. The cop steps back. As the ambulance speeds away, he takes a deep breath and returns to directing traffic.

At home, he faces a different challenge. His Rs 40,000 salary barely covers the basic needs of his family. He is always trying to get a posting closer to his home that will save some of the expense.

Sometimes it gets worse. Policemen have been injured, even killed on the job. Those that survive continue to worry about a similar fate.

***

Comparing the challenges faced by traffic police and those of their counterparts in district police, DIG Cheema says that traffic cops operate under more demanding conditions. A combination of physical and mental stressors, coupled with the ever-present threat of violence, makes their work extremely hazardous.

Prolonged exposure to loud noise and toxic fumes results in a high prevalence of cardiac disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, hearing loss, skin problems, respiratory issues, cancers and musculoskeletal diseases.

According to DIG Ahmad Nawaz Cheema, every month two to three of his colleagues get cardiac stents to maintain blood flow in blocked arteries.

The risks extend far beyond such concerns. DIG Cheema says three policemen he knew have lost their lives while on duty.

The supervising officials must also deal with additional demands during VIP and VVIP visits. These occasions require sustained focus and energy. Work shifts often exceed 12 hours.

The Police Department prioritises officer well-being, recognising the physical and mental strain that comes with policing, says DIG Cheema. To mitigate its harm, regular medical check-ups are conducted to ensure the personnel receive timely health interventions. Additionally, the department collaborates with some NGOs to provide access to specialised stress management courses, empowering officers to cope with the psychological demands of their role, he says.

In Karachi, there are 3,500-4,000 reported traffic violations every day. In Lahore the number is a staggering 30,000-35,000, despite a comparable traffic density. The stark difference highlights the significant challenges in achieving disciplined traffic management in Karachi. DIG Cheema says public altercations with the ticketing officers are routine. Unfortunately, he says, some driers behaves as if traffic violations are a matter of right and the police officer an unnecessary authority figure.

About month ago, he recalls, a man carrying three children on his motorcycle was pulled over for reckless driving. As a senior official intervened, the children revealed, “This isn’t the first time police uncle stopped us.” The exchange highlighted the fact of the driver being a repeat offender, putting the children’s lives at risk.

In most developed countries, strict enforcement plays a significant role in ensuring consistent compliance with traffic rule. Advanced surveillance systems and consistent penalties are used to deter violations. Penalties, including hefty fines and licence suspension, serve as strong deterrents against reckless driving. Additionally, cultural norms emphasise respect for rules. Social disapproval of violators contributes to a collective sense of responsibility.

In Pakistan, sociologists say, disregard for traffic rules and safety protocols has become a disturbing trend. They say many professional drivers as well as children frequently display contempt towards traffic force. This attitude, they say is supported by societal norms that emphasise social status and privilege. Cultural attitudes condone disregard for authority. The resulting power dynamic undermines the authority of traffic police, making effective enforcement difficult.” Perceptions of unfair treatment, extortion and lack of transparency in the ticketing process add to frustration. “However two wrongs do not make a right,” says Cheema.

“Some traffic officers use coercive tactics to extort bribes. This includes fabricating or exaggerating offences, to collect unauthorised fines,“ says Dr Noman Ahmed, Dean, NED University of Engineering, Karachi. He says enforcement is rarely aimed at improving traffic flow. It is mostly geared towards meeting the daily targets of traffic tickets.

The police seldom stop truck and oil tanker drivers, who have a reputation for being aggressive and foul-mouthed. Instead, they pounce on motorcyclists who are easier prey, says Dr Ahmed.

“Most of the time they are asking for registration papers and not talking about the violation,” he points out.

They are rarely interested in regulating traffic, Dr Noman says.

DIG Cheema says their focus is always on maintaining traffic. He says that the number of tickets issued has decreased recently. In case of transgressions, there will always be a challan, he warns. “We are serious about vehicles being driven around without number plates, driven the wrong way and violating traffic lights as these cause deadly accidents,” he says.

The police are instructed to focus on these. He says to check corruption, “Officers not carrying body-worn cameras can no longer issue tickets. Only section officers and officers from ASI to inspector rank are allowed to issue tickets,” he says.

Asked how the money is used, he says: “15 percent of the amount is for [cash] rewards for traffic officers. The remaining amount is used for the procurement of equipment.” DIG Cheema says that the police haven’t received their “due” for four years. He says they need the funds to install advanced ANPR cameras at 30 locations to automate traffic violation detection.

Concerns about the revenue generated from fines have led to discussions on using funds for better road signage and traffic signals.

Additionally, proposals have been made to appoint honorary magistrates to make the process more transparent.

The writer is a senior reporter at The News