As Karachi’s new AI-powered e-challan system ramps up its drive against traffic violations, a city traffic officer has been caught flouting the very rules he is meant to enforce.
A viral video circulating on social media shows a Karachi traffic police officer riding a motorcycle without a visible number plate near the Expo Center. The footage reveals that the registration digits on the police-issued bike were deliberately erased, preventing the city’s automated cameras from detecting the plate.
In the clip, the officer can also be seen turning left while his right indicator remains on, a clear breach of basic traffic rules. He appears to be on duty and carrying an official weapon during the incident.
The video, reportedly filmed by a passerby, sparked widespread outrage online. Many citizens condemned what they called blatant hypocrisy by traffic officials who fine the public daily for similar offenses but fail to obey the law themselves.
Despite mounting criticism, Karachi Traffic Police have not yet issued any official statement on the matter.
Meanwhile, the city’s new AI-driven e-challan system has been in full swing. In the last six days, it has issued more than 26,000 challans, including 3,283 within the past 24 hours. Most fines were related to helmet and seatbelt violations, red-light jumping, and overspeeding. However, no challans have been issued yet for unpaid taxes or fancy number plates.
The incident has once again raised concerns about accountability within the traffic police ranks as Karachi tightens its push for smarter, tech-driven law enforcement.