SHC moved against excessive fines over traffic violations in Karachi

A Karachi citizen has filed a petition in the Sindh High Court against excessively high e-ticket fines for traffic violations in the city.

The petitioner, Johar Abbas, argued that motorists in Karachi are being charged far more than those in Lahore for similar offences.

Abbas pointed out that in Lahore, a particular traffic violation incurs a fine of Rs200, while in Karachi, the same offence carries a penalty of Rs5,000. He described the disparity as unjust and requested the court to examine whether the fines imposed in Sindh are fair and lawful.

The Sindh Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police, DIG Traffic, Director General Excise and Taxation, and Director General NADRA have been named as respondents in the case. The petition further seeks an immediate suspension of the increased fines until the court isues a final decision.

The Sindh government recently introduced a revised traffic fine and demerit point system under Section 121-A of the Motor Vehicles Ordinance, 1965.

According to Sindh Information and Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, the updated system imposes heavier penalties for offences such as overspeeding, signal violations, wrong-way driving, and driving without a valid licence.

Under the new structure, overspeeding fines are set at Rs5,000 for motorcycles, Rs15,000 for cars, and Rs20,000 for heavy vehicles. Driving without a licence can result in a Rs50,000 fine and six demerit points, while reckless driving carries a Rs25,000 fine and eight points.