A petition has been filed in the Sindh High Court (SHC) challenging the e-challan traffic system in Karachi. The plea, submitted by Jamaat‑e‑Islami Karachi chief Munim Zafar and other citizens, argues that the system levies heavy fines without proper legal basis, especially given the inadequate road infrastructure.
Their lawyer, Usman Farooq Advocate, told the court that e-challans are automatically sent to vehicle owners via CCTV and AI systems—regardless of who was actually driving—thus unfairly penalising owners rather than offenders.
He also pointed out that many roads in Karachi and throughout the province of Sindh lack essential traffic controls such as speed-limit signage and zebra crossings, and that traffic is often diverted improperly due to ongoing works (for instance at the delayed Karimabad underpass and deteriorating Jahangir Road/New Karachi Road).
The petition further claims the main aim of the e-challan system is revenue generation—not improving driver behaviour—and that motorists in Karachi are being punished disproportionately for minor infractions (for example, a Rs 5,000 fine for a motorcycle speeding violation in Karachi versus about Rs 200 in Lahore).
They also pressed that delays and corruption at the Excise Department lead to vehicles operating under “open letters”, so AI-driven notifications often go to the wrong registered owners.
The relief sought: suspension of the e-challan system and heavy fines, a declaration that the AI-based system is illegal absent proper infrastructure, and an end to discriminatory treatment of Karachi’s citizens.
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