Commissioner launches digital fine payment system

Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi on Friday introduced a digital fine payment system that allowed violators of price control regulations to conveniently pay penalties through mobile banking platforms, using invoices generated by 1-Link.

He announced the initiative while chairing a meeting at the Commissioner’s Office. The new system aims to streamline the fine payment process for the public while enabling the government to track and verify payments in real time.

This marked the first time the Government of Sindh had partnered with 1-Link to collect fines under the Prevention of Profiteering and Hoarding Act, 2005. With the launch of this initiative, the Commissioner's Office had officially ended manual cash collection in Karachi.

Previously, magistrates faced challenges in collecting fines from small shopkeepers and mobile vegetable vendors, many of whom evaded payment. The new digital system ensures a more transparent, efficient, and accountable process for fine recovery.

Naqvi presided over the meeting that marked the launch of the digital partnership. Senior officials from 1-Link (Pvt) Ltd and the Finance Department participated in the event. Notable attendees included 1-Link CEO Najib Agrewala, CEO Azeemullah Khan, Secretary and Chief Strategy Officer Syed Salman Hasan, and Head of Business Umair Shahid. Representing the Finance Department was Head of the Debit Unit, Kashif, while Additional Commissioner-I Ghulam Mehdi Shah and Assistant Commissioner Headquarters Rabia Syed represented the Commissioner Office.

The initiative was a significant step toward modernising enforcement mechanisms and improving governance through technology-driven solutions.