IG Sindh announces traffic courts establishment in Karachi

Inspector General (IG) Sindh Police Ghulam Nabi Memon on Tuesday announced that dedicated traffic courts will soon be introduced in Karachi to ensure stricter enforcement and transparency in traffic regulations.

“The fine should be so severe that no one dares to violate the law again,” IG Memon asserted in a TV interview.

He added that the Sindh cabinet has already approved the new legal provisions and, once endorsed by the Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, they will come into immediate effect.

He stated that amendments to the Motor Vehicle Ordinance will be carried out through the provincial assembly. Under the new law, fines for violations could range from Rs5,000 up to Rs250,000. “For life-threatening violations, the penalties will be tenfold—or even more,” he said.

IG Sindh elaborated that fines would double if not paid within 21 days, and after 90 days, the violator’s driving license would be canceled. In case of continued non-payment, the violator’s CNIC would be blocked after 180 days.

To support this reform, the government will also roll out a new system of traffic courts. Citizens will be able to appeal their fines in court, where proof of their violation will be presented. “We don’t want anyone to question the transparency of this system after increasing penalties,” he asserted.

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He confirmed that the traditional manual system of traffic ticketing will be phased out, pending government approval. E-challans will be sent to violators’ homes via courier along with proof of the offense.

“Previously, small fines had no deterrent effect; people would violate the law again at the next intersection,” he noted, adding, “Around the world, the standard is clear: a fine must deter repeat offenses.”

IG Sindh further revealed that all heavy vehicles will be mandated to install cameras and trackers. If such vehicles overspeed, an immediate e-ticket will be issued to the owner.