SHC issues notices on petition against 'e-challan system'

CML demands govt first improve Karachi's roads, traffic management, civic infrastructure

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Monday issued notices to all respondents on a petition filed by the Central Muslim League (CML) challenging the e-challan system, directing that the plea be clubbed with similar pending petitions.

A two-member SHC bench, headed by Justice Muhammad Iqbal Kalhoro, took up the petition filed by Ahmed Nadeem Awan, President of CML's Karachi chapter. The petitioner's counsel argued that Karachi's infrastructure had collapsed, with roads across the metropolis in a dilapidated state. "Basic civic facilities are lacking, yet citizens are being heavily fined. Threats to block CNICs over traffic challans violate fundamental rights," he submitted.

The petitioner's counsel claimed that the system was discriminatory, arguing that traffic fines in Lahore amounted to Rs200, while Karachi residents were being charged Rs5,000 for similar violations. "How can two laws exist in the same country?" he said, accusing the Sindh government of using the e-challan system as a tool for extracting money from the public.

The petitioner prayed the court declare the discriminatory fines illegal and urged authorities to prioritise improving Karachi's infrastructure and traffic management instead.

The court issued notices to respondents, including the Sindh government, chief secretary, IG Sindh, DIG Traffic, NADRA, Excise Department, and others, and sought their replies by November 25.

Speaking to the media outside the court, Ahmed Nadeem Awan said Karachi - Pakistan's largest city with over 30 million residents and the highest revenue contribution - was being deprived of basic civic facilities. "Despite paying the most taxes, Karachiites live without security and basic amenities. Street crime has surged, with over 54,000 incidents reported in just 10 months," he said.

He argued that poor road conditions and dust pollution were seriously affecting citizens' health, particularly motorcyclists who work long hours and suffer from back and spinal problems. "People are unemployed and depressed. Instead of providing relief and jobs, the government is focused on collecting fines through e-challans," Awan said.

"There isn't a single speed-limit board on Sharae Faisal, yet thousands of people have been fined for overspeeding. The government has dropped an 'e-bomb' on citizens, imposing Rs5,000 to Rs10,000 fines for minor mistakes and threatening to double fines or block CNICs and driving licences," he said.