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n a city where daily commutes often feel like a fight for survival, the Sindh government has introduced an automated e-challan system to tackle last year’s grim toll of nearly 500 deaths and 4,879 injuries from traffic accidents, many involving heavy vehicles. Authorities tout the system as a vital step to save lives and bring order. For now, however, it faces legal challenges and public debate over fairness and the city’s readiness.
The e-challan system uses 1,176 cameras at key intersections and accident hotspots in Karachi’s South and Central districts, capturing violations like running red lights, speeding, driving without a seatbelt, using a mobile phone, driving without a licence and illegal turns.
“As many as 12,000 cameras will be deployed by 2027 for traffic management, said Deputy Inspector General Traffic Pir Ali Mohammad Shah.” Once a violation is recorded, the Excise office mails a fine citation to the vehicle owner’s registered address. Unpaid fines can result in blocking of vehicle sales or transfers. After six months, NADRA may block National Identity Cards on court orders.
The AI-powered Traffic Regulation and Citation System (TRACS) issued 30,000 challans in its first week for violations like not wearing seatbelts, using tinted glass or riding motorbikes without helmets. The fines ranged from Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000. Unlicensed drivers faced aRs 20,000 fine for motorcycles, Rs 25,000 for cars, Rs 30,000 for light transport vehicles and Rs 50,000 for heavy vehicles.
Journalist Faraz Khan praised the system as a step towards urban civility, replacing subjective on-the-spot fines with impartial enforcement. Deputy chief of the Citizens Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), Shabbar Malik, said that previously, a traffic constable could only intercept one vehicle for a signal violation while other errant drivers escaped unchecked. “Now, the e-challan system’s cameras capture all violations, indiscriminately identifying and tagging every non-compliant driver, significantly enhancing law compliance.”
Additional Inspector General of Police JavedOdho said last year’s spike in fatal accidents had led to the new strategy. He noted that consistent enforcement had sparked a public backlash and complaints against traffic staff. The faceless e-ticketing system, fast-tracked from 2026, aims to boost transparency and curb misuse of power.
Odho described the system as a “life-saving intervention,” stressing that catching violators—like those jumping red lights—prevents deadly crashes. However, Odho stressed that fixing traffic flow needs major infrastructure upgrades, a key focus despite the city’s signal and signage shortages.
The city’s road network and traffic infrastructure are in disarray, with non-existent road markings and signage. The Traffic Engineering Bureau reported 400 roundabouts without signals and only 70 of 139 signals working, with Saddar’s busy market having just 2 of 27 signals functional. Under an agreed formula, the provincial government will allocate 70 per cent of fine revenues to improve road and traffic infrastructure through a proposed Traffic Management Company.
Faraz, however, noted that, over the past six to seven years, the provincial government had repeatedly pledged similar investments, yet only 5 per cent of promised funds had been directed to traffic management, road infrastructure and incentives for traffic police and officials.
The fines are drawing lot of criticism. DIG Traffic Pir Ali Mohammad Shah noted that substantial fines deter reckless driving and foster a sense of duty. Shah highlighted cases in Lahore where motorcyclists faced hundreds of challans, leading to vehicle auctions.
In Karachi, by November 10, 50,000 challanshad been issued. However, only about Rs 2 million was recovered, as most availed the waiver option. He said the Punjab too was considering raising the amount of fines to address the deterrence issue.
Some critics argue that the system is premature given Karachi’s crumbling infrastructure. A petition filed by Advocate Jahangir Shams in the Sindh High Court, set for hearing on November 25, contends that automated fines are unfair and unconstitutional due to faded or missing road markings, broken traffic signals and poor signage that confuse drivers. Two other similar petitions will also be taken up at the same hearing.
To address concerns about fairness, the e- challan system offers a clear appellate platform for contesting fines. Shabbar Malik explained that drivers, such as those fined despite wearing a seatbelt, can visit one of 11 designated Facilitation Centres to file a complaint. A district committee, comprising a senior police officer, another officer and a CPLC representative, reviews complaints based on evidence to ensure fair resolutions.
The system is already improving commuter compliance. Deputy Chief CPLC stated that it is effectively addressing ‘grey area’ issues. Previously, few second- or third-hand car owners sought to transfer vehicle ownership, but now 20-30 people visit CPLC offices daily. Additionally, government departments using wrong number plates are being identified and unregistered or false-plate vehicles being blacklisted, intercepted and impounded.
Despite the controversy, progress is visible: more vehicles now stop at traffic signals even in early hours with thin traffic and motorcyclists wear helmets. As the Sindh High Court reviews challenges and debates over the amount of fine continues, the success of the e-challan system hinges on balancing strict enforcement with addressing Karachi’s infrastructure gaps to ensure safer roads without unfairly penalising drivers.
The writer is a senior The News staffer in Karachi.