Citizens Demand Sindh High Court to End E-Challan System in Karachi

The Sindh High Court has received a petition challenging the e-challan system for traffic violations in Karachi. The petition, filed by Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi chief Munim Zafar and other citizens, argues that heavy fines are being imposed on residents without proper infrastructure or clear legal procedures.

The petitioners’ lawyer, Usman Farooq Advocate, told the court that e-challans are sent automatically to vehicle owners using CCTV cameras and artificial intelligence, regardless of who was actually driving at the time of the violation. He said the system unfairly penalizes owners, not necessarily the real offenders.

The lawyer also highlighted poor road conditions in Karachi and across Sindh, noting the lack of speed limit signs and zebra crossings in many areas. He pointed out that ongoing development projects often force traffic police to direct vehicles onto the wrong side of the road.

He cited examples such as the long-delayed Karimabad underpass and the poor condition of major roads, including Jahangir Road and New Karachi Road. In this context, he argued, imposing heavy fines on citizens is discriminatory.

According to the petition, the main purpose of the e-challan system is to generate revenue, not to reform drivers. The lawyer said it is unfair to burden Karachi’s residents—who already contribute a large share of federal and provincial revenue—with extra financial penalties.

He also pointed out issues with the Excise Department, where corruption and delays make it difficult to transfer vehicle ownership promptly. As a result, many vehicles run on open letters, and fines are sent to the wrong owners.

The petitioners argued that imposing fines of thousands of rupees for minor violations is anti-public. For example, a wrong-side or speeding fine for a motorcycle in Karachi is Rs 5,000, while in Lahore, it is only Rs 200—a clear disparity.

The petition asks the court to immediately suspend the e-challan system and heavy fines, declare the AI-based system illegal in the absence of proper infrastructure, and order an end to discriminatory treatment of citizens.