The Sindh High Court (SHC) has received a petition challenging the e-challan system currently enforced in Karachi. The case, filed by the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML), argues that the system unfairly penalizes citizens amid the city’s deteriorating road infrastructure and lack of basic civic facilities.
The petition, reported by ARY News, names the Chief Secretary, Sindh government, Inspector General of Police, DIG Traffic, NADRA, and the Excise Department among the respondents.
⚖️ PMML Questions Legality of Heavy Fines
According to the petition, imposing heavy e-challan fines in a city plagued by broken roads, missing traffic signals, and poor infrastructure violates citizens’ fundamental rights.
The PMML claims that the threat to block CNICs over unpaid fines is unconstitutional and discriminatory. The party urged the court to suspend the e-challan system until Karachi’s infrastructure and traffic management improve.
💸 Unequal Penalties Across Cities
The plea also highlights the disparity in traffic fines between provinces, pointing out that Lahore’s fines are as low as Rs. 200, while in Karachi they can reach Rs. 5,000 for similar offenses.
“This uneven system punishes Karachi’s residents more harshly than others,” the petitioner argued, asking the SHC to declare such fines illegal and discriminatory.
🏛️ Political Opposition in Sindh Assembly
Earlier, MQM MPA Adil Askari raised the issue in the Sindh Assembly through an adjournment motion, criticizing the government for implementing e-challans without addressing basic road safety needs.
He noted that dysfunctional traffic lights, faded zebra crossings, missing signboards, and road encroachments make it unreasonable to fine citizens heavily. The motion urged the provincial government to halt the e-challan system until proper infrastructure is restored.
📊 E-Challan Fines So Far
Since its launch, the Karachi e-challan system has collected over Rs. 12.5 million in fines and issued more than 2,600 tickets in just six hours — a figure that has sparked public debate about the fairness of the policy.
🔍 Summary
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⚖️ Filed By: Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML)
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🏛️ In Court: Sindh High Court (SHC)
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🚗 Issue: E-challan system in Karachi
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💸 Key Concern: Heavy fines, poor infrastructure, violation of fundamental rights
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📅 Status: Petition filed, hearing expected soon
