KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Tuesday took up a petition challenging the recently implemented e-challan system in Karachi. The plea, filed by the Markazi Muslim League, contests the legality and fairness of the digital traffic fine mechanism introduced by the Sindh government last month to curb traffic violations.
During the hearing, the SHC issued notices to the Sindh Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police, DIG Traffic, NADRA, and the Excise Department, directing them to file their responses by November 25. The bench further ordered that this case be heard alongside other similar petitions already pending before the court.
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The petitioner argued that the city’s deteriorating infrastructure and poor road conditions make it unjust to impose heavy penalties on citizens. The plea described the practice of threatening to block national identity cards for unpaid challans as a violation of fundamental rights.
Highlighting inconsistencies, the petitioner questioned why traffic fines in Karachi reach up to Rs5,000, while similar offenses in Lahore are penalized with only Rs200, calling the disparity unconstitutional.
The petition requested the court to declare the e-challan fines discriminatory, urging a review to ensure equality and fairness for all citizens across Pakistan.
Also Read : Karachi’s new e-challan system nets over Rs 12.5 million in six hours
Karachi’s newly launched faceless e-challan regime issued 2,662 tickets worth more than Rs12.5 million within six hours on Tuesday, the traffic police said.
According to the Karachi Traffic Police report, as many as 419 challans were issued for overspeeding; three for driving on lane lines; four for stop-line violations; and 1,535 for not wearing seat belts. The report added that 166 challans were issued for red-light violations and 507 for riding without helmets.