Karachi Residents Criticize Sindh Government Over E-Challan System

Cite Poor Roads and Lack of Public Transport / Photo File (OLX Blog)

The people of Sindh, along with opposition political parties, have strongly criticized the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the provincial government over the recently introduced e-challan system in Karachi. Residents argue that the government has neglected the development and infrastructure of the city, focusing instead on revenue collection through fines.

Critics highlight that during 18 years of PPP rule, Karachi has seen mismanagement, corruption, and poor quality of development projects. The state of roads, traffic systems, and public transport has remained dismal, prompting citizens to compare Sindh’s governance with Punjab, where development initiatives have reportedly been more effective.

The Sindh provincial government introduced the e-challan system to curb traffic violations, but citizens argue that the fines are exorbitant and unfair. For instance, a traffic challan in Lahore costs Rs200, while Karachi residents face fines as high as Rs5,000 for similar violations. Many feel that the system is being used to extract money from citizens’ pockets without addressing the city’s fundamental infrastructural issues.

Transport Minister Sharjeel Memon urged citizens to adhere to traffic laws, but critics point out that while the government quickly installed cameras and imposed hefty fines, it has failed to repair broken roads, improve public transport, or enforce speed limits effectively.

Recent figures from the traffic police show that within three days:

• 6,000+ fines were issued for not wearing seatbelts, with penalties up to Rs10,000
• 1,700+ motorcycle riders fined for overspeeding (Rs5,000)
• Vehicles overspeeding fined up to Rs10,000, and heavy vehicles up to Rs20,000
• 2,053 fines issued for not wearing helmets
• Numerous fines for mobile use while driving, signal violations, illegal parking, and one-way or wrong-way violations

In total, over Rs10.26 million was collected from these fines in just three days.

The e-challan system has also sparked debate in the Sindh Assembly, with the MQM submitting a motion highlighting that the government imposed electronic fines without first ensuring basic road safety, effective traffic management, and public transport options. According to the motion, broken roads, lack of efficient public transport, and traffic mismanagement make daily commutes extremely difficult for citizens.

While the e-challan system may help improve traffic discipline and reduce accidents, experts and citizens insist that the government must address public concerns. Recommendations include consulting traffic experts, senior officials, and urban planners, improving road infrastructure, and establishing an efficient public transport network alongside strict enforcement of traffic laws.

Residents hope that by addressing these infrastructural and systemic issues, the e-challan system will be seen as a tool for public safety rather than a burden on the people of Karachi.