Commuters in Rawalpindi now move through roads where tension hangs in the air. The focus of the traffic force seems to have drifted from protecting lives to chasing numbers. Every warden has been ordered to issue at least ten challans daily, creating fear among citizens who feel they can be fined at any moment, even when they follow the rules carefully.
Shift from Service to Statistics
Many wardens say they are facing intense pressure from their seniors. The administration appears less interested in the smooth movement of vehicles and more concerned about daily counts. An internal document from December 2, 2025, revealed that over 120 officials were marked for low performance simply because they issued fewer than ten tickets, turning a routine job into a stressful race.
Notices Issued Across the City
Officials who recorded between one and eight challans have received strict show-cause notices. This sudden crackdown spreads across important routes such as Murree Road, Old and New Airport Roads, Saddar, Adiala, and Civil Lines. Instead of teamwork and service, wardens now work under a cloud of worry, fearing punishment for not meeting numbers rather than failing to manage traffic.
Wardens Caught in a Tough Spot
Traffic duty usually involves guiding drivers, clearing blockages, and responding to emergencies. These tasks require time, patience, and presence on the ground. But with the quota system in place, wardens feel trapped. If they spend hours solving a jam or helping after an accident, they fall short of their target, placing their careers at risk despite doing meaningful work.
Real Policing Takes a Back Seat
This policy seems to reward quick fines instead of real service. Officers must now choose between helping people and meeting the quota that keeps them safe from disciplinary action. As a result, unnecessary fines become more likely. When an officer is pressured to find violations, even small or unclear mistakes by drivers can turn into challans, increasing public frustration.
Impact on Public Trust
Experts warn that such a system harms the bond between citizens and law enforcement. While rules must be followed, turning enforcement into a numbers game creates an imbalance. It pushes wardens toward revenue generation instead of community protection. In the end, ordinary people pay the price for a policy that values statistics more than fairness, safety, or the true spirit of public service.
