Sindh Govt Agrees to Reduce Heavy Traffic Fines for Motorcyclists in Karachi

lower e-challan fines for bikers in Karachi / Photo File (nytimes)

The Sindh government has agreed to reduce heavy traffic fines imposed on motorcyclists in Karachi following deliberations in a special committee of the Sindh Assembly reviewing the city’s e-challan system.

Sources said the decision was made during a meeting of the assembly’s special committee on e-challans, which was convened at the request of Opposition Leader Ali Khursheedi and chaired by Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar. The committee reviewed public complaints regarding excessive fines and enforcement issues under the electronic challan system.

In addition to relief for motorcyclists, the government also agreed to lower fines for vehicles with engine capacities of up to 1,000cc, a move aimed at easing the burden on low- and middle-income commuters.

Speaking at the meeting, Opposition Leader Ali Khursheedi said the opposition had taken a constructive approach rather than relying on slogans. “We are not against the e-challan system, but we want an end to unreasonably heavy fines,” he said, adding that penalties should be proportionate and fair.

Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar acknowledged infrastructure challenges, stating that the provincial government did not currently have sufficient resources to invest heavily in large-scale traffic infrastructure improvements.

Earlier, while addressing a meeting of the provincial assembly’s interior committee, Khursheedi stressed that increasing fines alone would not resolve Karachi’s traffic problems. He pointed out that most city roads lacked proper lane markings and that many traffic signals were either missing or not functioning. “Without functional signals and clear lane markings, imposing heavy fines is unjust,” he said.

Khursheedi further argued that disproportionate penalties unfairly targeted the poor and middle class, calling for transparency, reform, and improved infrastructure alongside enforcement.

The decision comes amid mounting public criticism of Karachi’s e-challan system, with many commuters complaining that excessive fines have added financial pressure without corresponding improvements in traffic management.