Karachi citizens face problems with traffic e-challan system

KARACHI: Karachi’s new traffic police e-challan system is causing problems for many citizens, as motorists continue to receive wrong traffic fines months after it was introduced.

The system was launched in October last year to enforce traffic laws using modern surveillance cameras. But even after three months, technical errors are still happening, and many drivers are getting fines they do not deserve.

Some motorists have been fined for not wearing seat belts, even when they were following the rules. In many cases, the images attached to the fines show drivers properly wearing seat belts, raising concerns about the accuracy of the system.

Another problem is the misuse of vehicle number plates. Citizens say that unknown people are using their registration numbers on other vehicles, and the fines go to the real owners. In one case, a person received five e-challans totaling Rs50,000, even though his car was not at the locations mentioned. He said neither he nor his vehicle appeared in the photos, suggesting someone else was using his number plate.

Traffic police officials say the e-challan system is an important step to enforce traffic laws and monitor violations. They added that the system is being gradually improved with public cooperation.

Still, citizens say they continue to suffer from the system’s mistakes, raising concerns about accountability, data accuracy, and lack of a proper complaint process.