ISLAMABAD: Salman Chaudhry, the Inspector General of the National Highway and Motorway Police reported to the Standing Committee on Communications of the National Assembly, detailing the collection of fines amounting to Rs15.5 billion in just eleven months. Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, a member of the National Assembly and leader of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), presided over the standing committee meeting. A report provided by IG Salman Chaudhry states that fines totaling over Rs4 billion were levied for infractions of axle load limits throughout the past year, specifically from January 1st to November 15th. To further guarantee the safety of drivers and passengers, the rules of the road are more stringent on motorways and highways. So, just like on conventional highways, the penalty for breaking traffic laws on these routes is even more severe. Motorway Police Digitalizes System, Enhances Traffic Safety The committee was briefed by the IG Motorway Police that the traffic penalty system is being digitalized. According to him, the Motorway Police's Drivers Licensing Authority has granted more than 144,000 licenses that are recognized in 132 countries. The IG further stated that 4,736 kilometers of national highways and motorways are under strict surveillance for violations of traffic laws and threats to public safety. Axle load control, traffic management, and passenger assistance are the primary responsibilities of the authority as per the National Highway Safety Ordinance of 2000 (enacted in 1997). The IG also disclosed details regarding the 1,963 km of motorways and 2,502 km of highways that are under the authority's surveillance. The Indus Highway has a speed restriction of 100 kilometers per hour, but he felt that the 120 kilometers per hour posted on highways was excessive. A speed of 110 km/h is required. The existing speed limit is extremely risky, and there have been numerous accidents on the Karachi-Quetta route, according to the IG. Additionally, he mentioned that the annual cost to fix the highways exceeds $1 billion. "Our salaries are lower than that of all police forces," he complained, referring to the pay cut. Also, he added that the authority's own budget is around Rs28 billion, thus salary increases are definitely within the realm of possibility. According to the Secretary for Communications, the issue of salaries requires the involvement of the Ministry of Finance. In addition to delivering a summary to the Prime Minister, the committee members unanimously favored raising the salary of the highway police. Smog was another topic brought up during the committee meeting. The committee chairman enquired about the measures being taken against automobiles that cause smog. The provincial administration is responsible for reviewing the fitness of cars, according to the Secretary of Communications.