The Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML) has approached the Sindh High Court (SHC) seeking the suspension of Karachi’s recently launched e-challan system, arguing that it unfairly penalizes citizens amid poor road conditions and inadequate infrastructure. The petition names the Chief Secretary, Sindh government, Inspector General of Police, DIG Traffic, NADRA, and the Excise Department as respondents.
According to the plea, imposing heavy fines on citizens while the city struggles with broken roads, faulty traffic signals, and missing signboards is unjustified. It further claims that threats to block citizens’ national identity cards over unpaid fines violate fundamental rights.
“It is discriminatory to fine citizens up to Rs. 5,000 in Karachi, while in Lahore penalties start as low as Rs. 200,” the petition argues.
Earlier, MQM MPA Adil Askari had also raised the issue in the Sindh Assembly, criticizing the enforcement of the e-challan system without ensuring proper road safety measures. He urged the government to first repair roads, install traffic lights, and remove encroachments before imposing fines.
Since its rollout, Karachi’s e-challan system has issued over Rs. 12.5 million in fines, including 2,662 tickets within just six hours of operation. The Sindh High Court is expected to review the case in the coming days as public debate grows over whether the digital enforcement drive is premature.