Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said on Wednesday that first-time offenders caught by the newly implemented traffic e-ticketing system can have their fines waived within 10 days by appearing in person and submitting an apology, according to a press release.
The CM inaugurated the Traffic Regulation and Citation System (TRACS), commonly known as the e-ticketing system, at the Central Police Office (CPO) on Monday.
He explained that the new system replaces the outdated manual ticketing process with a fully automated e-ticketing mechanism, utilising advanced AI-integrated CCTV cameras to detect violations such as speeding, red-light jumping, and helmet non-compliance.
According to the press release, CM Shah received a report from Sindh Inspector General of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon detailing traffic rule violations under the new system, which has issued fines to 35 official vehicles for various infractions.
“According to the report, e-challans were issued for offences such as not wearing seatbelts, running red lights, using tinted windows, and operating mobile phones while driving,” the press release stated.
The report revealed that a police vehicle was fined for a seatbelt violation on the Lyari Expressway at 1:36pm on Tuesday. Traffic Deputy Inspector General Peer Muhammad Shah informed the chief minister that the vehicle’s driver was twice observed not wearing a seatbelt between Garden and Lyari Expressway, triggering the automated system to issue a Rs10,000 fine, according to the press release.
“The CM said that first-time offenders can have their fines waived within 10 days by appearing in person and submitting an apology,” the press release stated.
“Even the police must comply with traffic regulations. This system upholds fairness and accountability for all citizens,” CM Shah was quoted as saying.
The press release added the provincial chief executive underlined the importance of traffic law compliance for public safety and directed that while first-time offenders can have their challans waived, repeat offenders would pay fines without exception.
“All citizens have equal rights under the law – compliance must be ensured across the board,” CM Shah added.
Separately, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, inaugurating the first-ever Diplomatic Bazaar organised by the Foreign Affairs Liaison Office at the State Guest House in Karachi, described the event as a unique celebration of culture, creativity, cooperation, and true diplomacy – reflecting friendship, openness, and shared humanity.
The Chief Minister praised the Karachi Foreign Affairs Liaison Office DG Irfan Soomro for his role in repatriating students from Bishkek during riots and assisting pilgrims after a bus accident in Iran. He highlighted Sindh’s historical diplomatic contributions, honouring the legacy of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and commended Ms Amina Baloch, the province’s current Foreign Secretary.
As he toured the bazaar, Syed Murad Ali Shah admired the vibrant display of Pakistan’s culture shown through Sindhi biryani, mangoes, textiles, and youth creativity, symbolising the nation’s rich identity and hardworking spirit. He called Karachi Pakistan’s diplomatic capital by the sea, with the largest concentration of consulates outside Islamabad.
The chief minister expressed hope that the bazaar would become an annual event promoting cultural exchange, peace, and global friendship, especially involving youth and women. He thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Khalid Jamali, Mr Irfan Soomro, and the FALO Karachi team for their efforts.
Senior Provincial Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon also praised the initiative as a true reflection of diplomacy through friendship and culture, highlighting Karachi’s open trade and cultural heritage.