Karachi e-challan system under fire over errors and steep fines

Karachi’s newly introduced e-challan regime drew fierce criticism after a resident said he was fined despite committing no violation, citing mismatched number plates printed on the same ticket and an alleged offence time when he was home. The citizen said such digital errors raise questions about accountability.

Traffic police officials reported 12,942 e-challans in three days—2,622 on the first day, 4,301 on the second and 5,979 on the third. Amid public backlash, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah asked authorities to waive motorists’ first e-challan but warned repeat offenders would be penalised.

In the Sindh Assembly, a Jamaat-e-Islami MPA tabled a resolution seeking an immediate review of the system and rollback of heavy fines on bikers. Separately, the Markazi Muslim League moved the Sindh High Court, challenging the legality of the e-challan and alleging threats of CNIC blockage for non-payment.

Petitioners argued the city’s broken infrastructure and missing signage make steep penalties unjust, pointing to stark differences with other cities where fines are far lower.