Karachi’s e-challan system faces criticism over major glitches

Serious flaws have been reported in Karachi’s recently introduced electronic challan (e-challan) traffic system after a citizen claimed to have received a fine for a violation he did not commit.

According to the affected citizen, the e-challan issued under the new traffic monitoring system contained incorrect details, including mismatched motorcycle numbers in the image and on the ticket. “The number mentioned in the challan does not belong to my motorcycle,” he said.

The citizen added that the challan cited a violation for riding without a helmet at 9:45 a.m. on October 27 near Teen Talwar, Clifton, while he was at his home in Scheme 33 at that time. The fine was listed as Rs2,500, along with six demerit points.

He expressed concern over the accuracy of the e-challan system, saying such mistakes could cause inconvenience to law-abiding citizens.

Reports suggest that over 11,000 e-challans were issued across Karachi within just three days of the system’s launch, including 1,755 fines for over-speeding.

Many motorists expressed confusion and frustration, stating that while cameras and monitoring devices had been installed across the city, no clear signs or banners indicated speed limits or other traffic violations that could lead to fines.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah recently stated that under the new system, the first challan issued would be waived, but any repeated traffic violations would require payment of the fine.