Jamaat-e-Islami Announces Citywide Sit-In Protests in Karachi Over Poor Roads and E-Challans

Photo by Nahi Khabar 24/7 – via Personal Collection

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has announced a series of sit-in protests across Karachi scheduled for Friday at 5:00 pm, protesting deteriorating road conditions and what the party calls unjust and excessive e-challans imposed on citizens.

According to JI leadership, the demonstrations aim to draw attention to broken roads, missing traffic signboards, and a sharp rise in fatal traffic accidents, particularly those involving heavy vehicles. The party argues that motorists are being penalized despite unsafe and poorly maintained infrastructure, calling the situation unacceptable for the public.

The sit-ins will be held at several major locations across the city, including Star Gate on Shahrah-e-Faisal, Dawood Chowrangi, Korangi Crossing, Tibet Centre, University Road (Mausamiat), Liaquatabad No.10, Sohrab Goth, Orangi Town No.5, Hub River Road, Dolmen Mall Hyderi, Power House Chowrangi, and Pracha Chowk in Sher Shah.

The protests come amid growing controversy surrounding Karachi’s e-challan system, which was introduced under the Traffic Regulation and Citation System (TRACS) in late October. The system uses AI-enabled CCTV cameras to automatically issue fines for traffic violations such as speeding, red-light jumping, and riding without helmets.

While traffic police officials claim the automated enforcement has contributed to nearly a 50 percent reduction in road accidents, JI leaders argue that enforcement alone cannot improve safety unless roads are repaired and proper traffic signage is installed.

Earlier, Jamaat-e-Islami lawmakers raised the issue in the Sindh Assembly, demanding a review of the e-challan policy. They described the fines as excessive, particularly the Rs5,000 penalty imposed on motorcyclists, and called for immediate relief for citizens.

Karachi has seen a surge in traffic-related deaths this year, including several deadly incidents involving high-speed dumper trucks. Public anger over repeated accidents has at times erupted into violent protests, with vehicles set on fire, increasing pressure on authorities to address road safety and infrastructure failures.