Karachi Man Receives Two E-Challans for Seat Belt Violation While Car Was Parked at Home

Photo File (Car Advisers)

A Karachi resident has reportedly been issued two electronic traffic challans within a span of 25 days for allegedly not wearing a seat belt, despite his vehicle being parked at his residence at the time of both violations. The incident has raised serious concerns about flaws in the city’s e-challan system.

According to details, each challan carried a fine of Rs10,000 and was issued against a 1987-model car owned by the citizen. However, authorities later discovered that the violations were captured on a different, newer vehicle using the same number plate.

The first challan was generated on November 23 near Punjab Chowrangi, while the second was issued on December 18 at the Hub Toll Plaza. Images attached with both challans show the same individual driving the vehicle during the alleged violations.

Police suspect that criminal elements may have illegally installed the old number plate on a newer vehicle, which reportedly travels between provinces, including Balochistan. Authorities have advised the affected citizen to submit a formal application so the matter can be investigated and resolved.

While officials acknowledge that the introduction of the Traffic Regulation and Citation System (TRACS) has helped reduce traffic violations in Karachi to some extent, recurring glitches involving sold, scrapped, or stolen vehicles are adding to public frustration.

In a similar incident reported last month, another Karachi resident received an e-challan worth Rs25,000 for a traffic violation allegedly committed near Avari Tower, even though his vehicle was parked outside his home in Gulistan-e-Johar at the time.

Citizens have demanded improvements in the e-challan verification system, calling for safeguards to prevent innocent vehicle owners from being penalized due to technical errors or misuse of number plates.