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Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Traffic Engineering Bureau at the verge of collapse
Conventions of governance have proven that strengthening existing state institutions is the only way to bring lasting stability in any metropolitan hub. In the country's largest city, Karachi, however, this wisdom appears to fall on deaf ears as model institutions like the Traffic Engineering Bureau (TEB) enter a gradual process of deliberate degradation. Over the past several years, the TEB, which historically managed tasks related to road engineering, designing, planning, lane marking, traffic volume data collection and road safety education, has been in a state of severe deterioration due to a lack of funds. Now, the level of neglect has reached a point where even the release of funds for the repair of traffic signals is not being approved. According to details obtained by the Express Tribune, traffic signals at 40 key locations including Clifton, Old Race Course, Hoshang Road, Dr Ziauddin Ahmed Road, New Karachi, Godhra, Macchi Mor, Yaseenabad, Jama Cloth, Dow Medical University, Lighthouse, Denso Hall, Aram Bagh, Court Road, Akbar Road, Singer Chowrangi, Saddar, Zainab Market, Paradise Hotel, and Saddar Dawakhana have been dysfunctional for the past eight months. An officer from the TEB, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that a yearly budget of approximately Rs35 million was allocated for the repair of traffic signals however, not a single rupee had been paid so far, leading to significant challenges in major repair work. "Currently, the outstanding dues of the contractor have reached Rs18 million. Other wings of the TEB have been deteriorating due to staff retirements and a lack of new recruitments. As a result, key functions like road engineering, designing, planning, lane marking, road safety education, and others have come to a halt. Currently, only the traffic signals wing is operational however, it now appears that even this wing is being phased out," lamented the official from TEB, which is partly funded by the Karachi Development Authority (KDA). Assistant Commissioner Hazim Bangwar stated that in a meeting held on April 30th, it was decided that the repair and maintenance of traffic signs, zebra crossings, lane markings, and traffic signals would now fall under the supervision of the Commissioner Karachi. "Engineers from the Sindh government will be taken on board for the repair of signals and the services of the TEB will not be utilized," said Bangwar. In response, the Senior Director of the TEB sent a letter to the Chairman of the Planning Department, the Chief Secretary, the Commissioner Karachi, and other senior officials, asserting that the TEB, operating under the KDA, was the legally authorized and technically competent body for planning, implementing, maintaining, and improving traffic signals and related infrastructure in Karachi. In this regard, Dr Syed Nawaz-ul-Huda, a regional planner, commented that the TEB was once a model institution that is now being deliberately destroyed. "Development projects and even routine repair work in the city have been made so complex and opaque that no investigation agency can easily audit them. The Commissioner Karachi has not been able to fulfil even his basic responsibilities, including price control. How can he be expected to handle technically complex tasks like traffic signal management, in which he has no experience? It would be better to strengthen the TEB and release its funds. It seems that a deliberate conspiracy in underway to destroy Karachi since its exemplary institutions are being intentionally dismantled; a matter that is highly condemnable," criticized Dr Al-Huda. Responding to the backlash, KDA's Director of Finance, Shakeel Siddiqui, revealed that the KDA too was facing a shortfall of Rs90 million hence it was unable to release funds for signal repairs to the TEB.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Yahoo
ISP works to combat human trafficking
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) continues to combat trafficking, including human trafficking. ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly, along with key stakeholders representing human trafficking survivors, law enforcement, and support service providers, appeared before the Senate Criminal Law Committee to speak to Senate Bill 2323. The proposed legislation includes development of a strategic plan to improve the victim-centered, trauma-informed law enforcement response to individuals who have been trafficked, as well as developing training standards for detection, investigation, and response to human trafficking. 'Human trafficking can come in many forms, from commercial sex acts to forced labor,' Kelly said. 'Because human trafficking has many faces and can happen almost anywhere, it is important to have a comprehensive, statewide trauma-informed response that encompasses those who may come in contact with individuals who are being trafficked, such as law enforcement, child services, case workers, treatment providers, and others.' To combat human trafficking, one of the most underreported and under-identified crimes, the ISP Trafficking Enforcement Bureau (TEB) conducted seven human trafficking demand suppression operations in 2024, resulting in 31 arrests and 90 criminal charges. Locally, ISP's work in Danville resulted in 5 arrests and 16 charges. Charges filed during the seven operations include Indecent Solicitation of a Child, Traveling to Meet a Child, Grooming, Solicitation to Meet a Child, Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Armed Violence – all felonies. In addition to the demand suppression operations, ISP obtained charges in three more cases, including charges of Involuntary Servitude and Promoting Prostitution. Since TEB's creation in 2022, more than 1,200 ISP officers have received human trafficking awareness training, and more than 130 officers have been trained in advanced investigative techniques related to human trafficking investigations. In 2024, ISP partnered with the Texas Department of Public Safety to provide Interdiction for the Protection of Children (IPC) training for front-line officers to recognize signs a child may be a victim, at-risk of victimization, or missing. ISP continues to develop and support victim-centered human trafficking investigations and plans to conduct at least one operation each month. ISP works closely with local law enforcement and community organizations to provide essential services to those who have been trafficked, including medical, mental, and substance use treatment, as well as food, clothing, short and long-term housing, financial aid, and help obtaining legal assistance. Every year, millions of men, women, and children are victims of trafficking worldwide, including in the United States and in Illinois. The signs of human trafficking can be subtle. To learn more, visit Recognizing the Signs | National Human Trafficking Hotline. If you suspect human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733. For more information visit or email
