The Sindh Police’s E-Challan system is a commendable step toward digital governance, yet its implementation exposes a glaring gap in planning. Without a fully functional Safe City infrastructure, the system stands on a shaky foundation. Before introducing E-Challans, the government should have prioritised installing an extensive network of interconnected surveillance cameras supported by artificial intelligence.
A recent incident in Karachi underscores this concern. A resident reportedly received an E-Challan for a motorcycle stolen four years ago — a theft he had duly reported to the police. The irony is striking: while the AI-powered system managed to detect the stolen vehicle, the police had failed to trace it for years. This episode not only highlights a lack of coordination but also reveals how underutilised technology can misfire without proper integration.
What we truly need is a robust, AI-driven system capable of more than just issuing fines. It should identify stolen vehicles, recognise suspects and instantly alert nearby police units for rapid response. Only by strengthening this technological backbone can the E-Challan system evolve into a genuinely smart policing tool that enhances public trust rather than eroding it.
Muhammad Hussain Mastoi
Dadu
