Hundreds of e-challans issued as Rawalpindi launches new system

In the first few days of Rawalpindi’s new digital traffic ticketing system, cameras have already done what years of roadside warnings struggled to achieve: catch drivers in the act.

More than 600 e-challans were issued within 96 hours after the system went live across the city, according to police officials. The tickets cover a range of road safety breaches, flagged automatically through the expanding Safe City surveillance network.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Safe City Rawalpindi Rana Abdul Wahab, flanked by SP Safe City Razaullah Shah and DSP Kashif Riaz, briefed reporters at the Safe City headquarters on Wednesday. He said the platform is now directly tied to traffic management and the security control room, allowing real-time monitoring and instant digital ticket generation.

Eyes across the city

According to Dawn, Safe City has installed more than 2,100 smart cameras at over 300 intersections and roadside points. Many of them work round-the-clock and can pick up 19 different rule violations without human input. Once a breach is detected, a ticket is generated and sent to the vehicle’s registered owner.

In the early phase, the focus is on acts most likely to cost lives, especially riders without helmets, drivers not wearing seat belts, and people using phones behind the wheel. Cameras are also keeping a check on smog, with 41 air-quality devices added to the network to support environmental agencies.

Wahab confirmed the project will cover every tehsil of the district by December 31, with the full rollout planned for completion on the same date.

Right to challenge, more safety additions promised

Citizens who believe a ticket was wrongly issued can appeal to a magistrate. The traffic police remains responsible for managing road discipline, while Safe City provides the digital backbone for monitoring, evidence and ticketing.

The SSP also said older fines, including those from August, are being processed and delivered under the system. Responding to concerns about the city’s damaged roads, he said a formal request for better road infrastructure will be sent to the relevant authorities.

The department is also planning to install emergency panic buttons across Rawalpindi to help people reach the police instantly in case of accidents or threats. Smart cameras will further support road diversions around major construction, including Kacheri Chowk, and monitor alternative routes for smoother travel.