KARACHI – Despite the passage of over two years, Karachi’s traffic police are still without FM (frequency modulation) radio channel aimed at facilitating citizens regarding latest developments, including traffic management and gridlocks.
In early 2008, the Sindh Home Department, in collaboration with the Information Technology Department, had decided to launch an FM radio channel, which was supposed to operate round-the-clock, broadcasting up-to-date information to the citizens about traffic congestion and the law and order situation of the metropolis.
However, owing to the indifference of the authorities concerned, this plan of the Sindh government could not materialise despite the passage of over two years. Though the FM radio was supposed to be specially designed for police officials, it was also supposed to broadcast entertainment programmes.
Besides, the radio channel was also supposed to help contain the growing trend of criminal activities, and keep the citizens updated regarding the latest developments in the metropolis. Entertainment programmes, interviews of senior police officers and information on their achievements were also to be broadcasted to the citizens as well as police officials, besides infotainment.
In the event of a severe traffic gridlock in the city, instead of waiting for hours and being unaware of the traffic situation, the radio channel could provide information about the traffic problems and save precious time.
Moreover, in case of a fire, accident or natural disaster, the information could be relayed to the authorities and the citizens by radio. Besides, the radio could also inform the citizens about alternate routes, especially for ambulances and other rescuers. The FM radio was also supposed to inform the public about the names and designations of police officials, their locations of postings and details regarding their achievements.
Broadcasting details of criminal activities could also be possible through the radio, thereby aiding in bringing the criminals to book. The radio channel could ensure improved performance of the police department in resolving public complaints that could be registered by calling the FM channel.
Besides, the FM channel could also streamline the system of receiving feedback and monitoring the performance of police stations. Through radio, the citizens could have direct access to higher authorities, including district police officers, regional police officers, deputy inspectors general and the inspector general of police.
Senior officials could keep a track of public complaints and the citizens could announce details of their missing family member over the radio. Police constables said that launching the FM radio channel could prove to be a very good idea because the grievances of junior officials could be directly conveyed to the senior officials.
They were hopeful that after the launch, the performance of the police department would improve as the channel would ensure check and balance of police officials. It is pertinent to mention here that after the project was decided upon in 2008, the IT Department invited technical and financial proposals in August 2010.
However, after the invitation of the tenders, no progress has been made so far with regard to this valuable project.
