Karachi’s new E-Challan system has made an explosive debut, issuing fines worth over Rs. 12 million within the first 24 hours of operation. The AI-powered traffic monitoring system, managed by the Sindh Police and the Karachi Traffic Police, automatically detects violations across key intersections, marking a major step toward digitized traffic enforcement.
But beyond the staggering numbers, these fines carry a deeper message that Karachi is getting serious about traffic discipline, and the rest of the country should take note.
A Tougher Stance Than Lahore
When compared to Lahore’s E-Challan system, operated by the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA), Karachi’s fines are several times higher.
Here’s how the two cities compare:
| Violation | Karachi (Motorcycle) | Karachi (Cars) | Lahore (Motorcycle) | Lahore (Cars) |
| Driving without a license | Rs. 20,000 | Rs. 25,000 | Rs. 200 | Rs. 500 |
| Riding a motorcycle without a helmet | Rs. 5,000 | — | Rs. 2,000 | — |
| Violation of traffic signals | Rs. 5,000 | Rs. 10,000 | Rs. 200 | Rs. 500 |
| Pillion riding by more than two people | Rs. 5,000 | — | Rs. 300 | — |
| Violation of parking rules | Rs. 2,000 | Rs. 10,000 | Rs. 2,000 | Rs. 2,000 |
| Use of a mobile phone while driving | — | — | — | Rs. 500 |
| Driving an unregistered motor vehicle | Rs. 5,000 | Rs. 10,000 | Rs. 200 | Rs. 500 |
| Driving a motor vehicle without a fitness certificate | — | — | Rs. 200 | — |
| Driving the wrong way | Rs. 25,000 | Rs. 30,000 | Rs. 2,000 | Rs. 2,000 |
The difference is striking — Karachi’s penalties are up to 100 times higher in some categories, reflecting the Sindh government’s zero-tolerance approach.
Why Such High Fines?
Officials from the Sindh Police and the Karachi Traffic Police say the goal is to curb reckless driving and fatal accidents, which have surged in recent years due to poor enforcement and non-compliance with helmet, signal, and lane rules.
The system uses automated number plate recognition cameras to record violations in real-time and sends digital challans directly to vehicle owners’ addresses.
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