Traffic fines in Karachi and Chanakya's philosophy |
The Sindh government's decision to impose heavy traffic fines has triggered loud discussion across Karachi. Critics call it oppressive and accuse the authorities of burdening citizens in already difficult economic times. Supporters argue it is overdue and finally forces accountability on roads that have long been ruled by indiscipline. Strip away all emotion and slogans and examine Karachi's reality: chronic traffic violations, an ingrained culture of rule-breaking, widespread corruption in the enforcement chain and a city where reckless driving has become a daily norm. When education, persuasion and warnings fail, the state is obligated to intervene decisively. A functioning government does not watch chaos and hope civility will appear on its own. It shapes behaviour through clear rules and meaningful consequences.
This approach is neither arbitrary nor experimental. It reflects a well-established principle in political science and modern governance. Chanakya, the ancient Indian scholar, strategist and chief advisor to Emperor Chandragupta Maurya, in his seminal work in the Arthashastra, described public disorder as a direct threat to society's stability and prosperity. His philosophy was pragmatic, not sentimental. When selfish conduct harms collective welfare, the state must respond with penalties strong enough to alter incentives. In this view, fines are not emotional punishment. They are rational corrective tools meant to........