E-challan: Sindh hints at slashing fines

KARACHI: Weeks after introducing e-challan in Karachi, the Sindh government has hinted at reducing fines for minor traffic offences and common mistakes by motorcyclists, said Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar .

“A meeting was held yesterday [where] opposition parties were heard, and were asked to present suggestions regarding e-challan,” remarked Lanjar while speaking on the media.

The e-challan in Karachi are part of the Traffic Regulation and Citation System (Tracs), launched on October 27, and are aimed at replacing the outdated manual ticketing process with a fully automated e-ticketing mechanism, utilising advanced AI-integrated CCTV cameras to detect violations such as over-speeding, red light violation, and helmet non-compliance.

However, ever since its launch, the system has sparked debate with critics pointing to the lack of adequate facilities and infrastructure in Karachi to support its implementation.

Speaking on the positive effect of e-challan, Lanjar today said that the number of fatalities in traffic accidents has decreased since the initiative’s introduction.

“Traffic infrastructure needs to be improved,” the minister noted.

The Tracs removes human discretion, confrontation and potential bias, ensuring fairness and accountability on the roads. Whereas Tracs Sahulat centres at major traffic offices and police stations will now offer support to citizens for paying fines, clarifying violations and contesting challans.

The integration of Tracs with key government databases, including excise and taxation, the driving licence system and Nadra e-Sahulat, and modern payment gateways allows citizens to view and pay traffic fines securely online or via their mobile devices.