While some hailed it as a modern, transparent, and time-saving initiative, others dismissed it as nothing more than the Sindh government’s latest revenue scheme. Social media user Nasir Mansoor praised the move, calling it “a remarkable step for citizens’ convenience.”
However, Zaheer Haider took a sarcastic swipe: “On Karachi’s beautifully developed, ultra-smooth roads — a fine of 15,000 to 20,000 rupees! Truly European vibes!” Journalist Atif Hussain pointed out a key flaw:
“The Safe City infrastructure required for e-challan only exists in the Red Zone areas. So, this system can only catch violators passing through there. Also, most traffic officers I spoke to have no idea how this system even works.”
Meanwhile, Danish Qureshi quipped: “Bravo! Now the Sindh government officially has a license to collect money from the public in the name of development.” Social media humor also hit new heights. User Sukh Cheeni joked:
“E-challan system! After Allah, Karachiites’ only hope now are hackers. The data will vanish before the challan reaches us. Anyway, my Kawasaki is still registered in the name of the late Noor Deen Kathiawari!”
Citizen Haji Abid expressed frustration: “Our roads are broken and full of potholes, but the fines are straight out of Europe. This is pure injustice.” Yet, Muhammad Shehzad offered a more grounded take: “Karachi’s youth are dying because we treat traffic laws like a joke. The fine amount should sting — at least you can’t bribe a camera.”
According to a report from the Traffic Police, within just a few hours of launch, 2,662 e-challans were issued. The highest number — 1,535 — were for not wearing seat belts. Other violations included 419 for overspeeding, 507 for riding motorcycles without helmets, 166 for running red lights, and 3 for lane violations.
Additionally, there were 4 challans for wrong-way driving, 7 for tinted windows, 32 for mobile phone use while driving, and 5 for illegal parking. Three particularly daring drivers received a memorable email for driving in the wrong direction.
Sindh’s Interior Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar clarified that any citizen who feels they’ve been wrongly fined can appeal to the Appellate Authority, saying: “Now citizens won’t have to make endless trips to police stations.”
While the E-Challan system in Karachi is undeniably a step toward modernization, many citizens maintain a common refrain: “First fix the roads — then install the cameras.”
