KARACHI – The controversy over steep traffic fines under the newly launched e-ticketing system reached the Sindh Assembly on Friday, with the opposition criticising the provincial government for imposing hefty penalties disproportionately on Karachi residents, particularly motorcycle riders.
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Leader of the Opposition Ali Khurshidi of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) demanded the formation of a house committee to review the fines. He said the decision to levy heavy penalties via the faceless e-ticketing system was rushed and unfair. “Bike riders are mostly poor people; how can they pay challans worth thousands of rupees?” he asked.
Khurshidi also highlighted the dilapidated civic infrastructure in Karachi, calling it one of the three worst cities globally. He raised concerns about the absence of traffic police on city roads, calling it an “organised conspiracy” contributing to traffic jams.
کراچی ٹریفک پولیس نے ایک ماہ کے ای چالان کی تفصیلات
جار ی کردیں، 71کروڑ جرمانہ، شہریوں کا ملا جلا رد عمل#PublicNews #PublicUpdates @Khitrafficpol #TrafficRules #Echallan pic.twitter.com/TGO01rDKJg— Public News (@PublicNews_Com) November 28, 2025
Responding, Home Minister Zia Lanjar said the government’s intention was to improve traffic management and save lives. He noted that the system aimed to reduce accidents and congestion while stressing the importance of helmets. “Motorcyclists riding without helmets are being fined Rs2,500,” he added.
The minister pointed out that the e-ticketing system had improved traffic conditions and revealed that Rs710 million in pending fines remained uncollected. He assured that first-time offenders would receive leniency, but repeat violators would face double penalties. Lanjar also agreed to Khurshidi’s proposal to form a house committee to engage with the traffic administration and incorporate opposition input.
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In a separate call attention notice, MQM-P lawmaker Sabir Qaimkhani raised concerns over toll tax collection at the Detha Toll Plaza on Mirpurkhas Road from local residents of Hyderabad. Parliamentary Secretary Farrukh Shah assured that action would be taken, citing Supreme Court orders prohibiting tax collection from villages within five kilometres of any toll plaza.