Broken roads, poor infrastructure: SHC moved against e-challan system

A total of 12,942 e-challans amounting to over Rs65m issued to Karachiites within three days

The enforcement of stringent traffic regulations and issuing heavy fines under newly-introduced e-challan system in Karachi have been challenged in the Sindh High Court. The petitioner argues that the system places an unfair burden on citizens who are already facing a lot of difficulties in commuting due to the city’s deteriorating road infrastructure.

The petition was filed by Central Muslim League Karachi chapter President Ahmed Nadeem Awan, who named the Sindh chief secretary, Sindh government, IGP, DIG (Traffic), NADRA, Excise Department, and several other institutions as respondents.

In his plea, Awan stated that Karachi’s road network has fallen into disrepair, with broken streets and poor infrastructure making daily commuting difficult and highly unsafe for all motorists as well as passengers.

He said that in such conditions, imposing heavy traffic fines on citizens amounts to 'punishment. The petitioner also criticised the authorities for threatening to block citizens’ national identity cards over unpaid fines, calling it a violation of fundamental rights.

Read More: New face-less e-ticketing system issues fine to Karachi Traffic DIG's vehicle

Awan maintained that Karachi has been subjected to persistent neglect and discrimination. He questioned why citizens of the same country are treated differently, pointing out that in Lahore, fines for similar offences are as low as Rs200, whereas in Karachi they are Rs5,000 and above.

“How can two laws exist in one country?” he questioned. The petitioner emphasised that Karachi, as the economic hub of Pakistan, deserves fair treatment. He alleged that the Sindh government has introduced the e-challan system to generate unjustified revenue rather than adopting a genuine traffic management system.

He added that the government has failed to improve the condition of roads, traffic systems, and civic facilities. The petitioner warned that if such policies continued, the Central Muslim League would intensify its legal and political efforts.

Around 13,000 e-challans worth Rs65m issued in three days

According to traffic police officials, a total of 12,942 e-challans amounting to over Rs65 million have been issued to citizens within three days following the implementation of the new automated and faceless e-ticketing system in Karachi.

Police officials said the highest number of violations — 7,083 — were recorded for not wearing seatbelts. This was followed by 2,456 challans for riding motorcycles without helmets, 1,920 for overspeeding, and 829 for jumping red light.

In addition, 410 challans were issued for using mobile phone while driving, and 78 for one-way violation. The traffic police further reported 49 challans for lane violation, 35 for vehicles with tinted windows, 26 for overloading, and 20 for illegal parking and stop-line violations. Similarly, seven challans were issued for overloading and carrying passengers on bus rooftops.

A police spokesperson clarified that no e-challans were issued during this period for violations such as crossing stop lines at red light, driving in bus lanes, sudden lane change, non-payment of motor vehicle taxes, and installing fancy number plates.