Karachi Traffic Police has announced plans to expand its artificial intelligence-powered traffic enforcement system to three major locations across the city by August 2026, following the successful testing of the technology on Shahrah-e-Faisal.
According to DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah, the AI-based system will be installed on Airport Road, Clifton, and the busy Do Talwar and Teen Talwar junctions.
The technology is currently being tested on Shahrah-e-Faisal, where 20 high-resolution Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras have been installed up to Drigh Road. The cameras operate around the clock and automatically detect lane violations.
Traffic officials say Shahrah-e-Faisal was selected for the pilot project due to its heavy traffic volume. The system is currently issuing approximately 100 challans per day for lane-discipline violations.
“If we can fix discipline on Karachi’s busiest artery, we can fix it on any road,” DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah said while discussing the project’s progress.
Authorities have clarified that motorists caught violating lane rules on Shahrah-e-Faisal will not receive a first-offense waiver. However, drivers may avail themselves of a one-time deferment option under the system.
Officials noted that the AI technology is capable of distinguishing between intentional violations and genuine emergencies. Incidents involving vehicle breakdowns, potholes, or other unavoidable circumstances are flagged for manual review before penalties are issued.
Under the current enforcement framework, motorcycles and rickshaws face fines of Rs. 2,500 for lane violations, while car drivers are fined Rs. 5,000. Bus operators can be penalized Rs. 7,500, whereas dumpers and tankers face fines of up to Rs. 10,000.
Traffic police claim the pilot project has already delivered encouraging results, with smoother traffic flow reported on Shahrah-e-Faisal and increased compliance among buses using designated lanes.
The planned expansion is part of Karachi’s broader effort to modernize traffic management through technology and improve road safety across the city.
