KARACHI: Thousands of traffic challans have been issued in Karachi, accompanied by heavy fines, using advanced camera systems for monitoring. Over 16,000 challans have been dispatched so far.
As per the traffic police, 2,622 challans were issued within the first six hours on the opening day, followed by 4,301 on the second day, and more the following. Officials report that in the past 24 hours alone, over 3,300 challans were issued, including fines for 35 government vehicles, among which were two police mobiles.
Of these government vehicles, 33 belonged to various officials and institutions. Overall, more than 5,000 e-challans have already been delivered to citizens at their homes. The fines for violations vary based on the type of vehicle: motorcycles incur a minimum fine of Rs 5,000, while motor vehicles face a minimum penalty of Rs 10,000. For vehicles with tinted windows, fines can reach Rs 25,000.
Traffic police also noted that several citizens are reaching out to facilitation centers upon receiving their e-challans.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Farooq, a Jamaat-e-Islami representative in the Sindh Assembly, has submitted a resolution opposing the e-traffic challan system. He argued that Karachi’s residents are already burdened by poor road conditions and inadequate traffic signage. Imposing steep fines only exacerbates their struggles.
He criticized the disparity in fines across provinces, citing that in Punjab, a similar violation costs only Rs 200, while Sindh levies an exorbitant Rs 5,000. He questioned the fairness of such measures, calling it an undue hardship on already struggling motorists.
