Karachi’s e-challan system under scrutiny for sending undue fines to citizens

Karachi’s e-challan traffic enforcement system has become questionable as citizens continue to receive incorrect fines for violations they say they never committed.

The e-challan system uses cameras and software to detect traffic violations and send challans directly to the registered address of vehicle owners. 

According to official reports, within just six hours of going operational, more than 2,600 e-challans of over Rs13 million were issued for offences including not wearing seat belts, speeding and crossing red lights.

However, many citizens have reported receiving challans for violations they did not commit. In some cases, vehicle owners got fines even though the images attached to the e-challans showed different vehicles or drivers.

Complaints include citizens being fined despite wearing seat belts or being at home at the time of the claimed violation. Public, at large, has doubts over the system’s reliability, arguing that the penalties are often unjustified and heavy. 

It has also been reported that the flawed e-challan system has been challenged in Sindh High Court by the affected parties. 

Meanwhile, traffic police claim the system is essential for enforcing discipline and improving road safety. However, they claim that implementation challenges such several inactive traffic signals and technical limitations in camera coverage, remain.

Officials have set up facilitation centers to help citizens dispute incorrect challans and advised users to verify fines through official channels.