SHC declines to suspend e-challan system

WEB DESK: The Sindh High Court on Tuesday heard a series of petitions challenging the provincial government’s e-challan system but refused to grant a stay order against the traffic fines.

During the hearing, the bench said it would not suspend the e-challan mechanism at this stage. The court directed the petitioners to first allow the concerned departments to submit their responses. “Let the replies come in, after which you may present your arguments,” the court instructed.

The bench then issued notices to the Sindh government, the DIG Traffic and other relevant officials, seeking their comments on the petitions. The court ordered all parties to file their written replies by the next hearing.

The petitions question the legality and implementation of the e-challan system, which uses surveillance cameras to detect and fine traffic violations across Karachi. The court will resume proceedings after receiving official responses.

Issuance of challans

As per November 10, Karachi police had issued 48,211 e-challans in 14 days under the new Track and Trace System, with most fines, 31,555, issued for not wearing seatbelts. Other major violations included riding without helmets (8,431), overspeeding (2,304) and signal violations (2,009). Officials said around 4,800 citizens have approached facilitation centres after receiving their first challan, and over 90 per cent were waived, with the rest sent to a special review committee. Police clarified that no challans have been issued for unpaid vehicle tax. The Sindh IG earlier announced Rs5,000 fines for 50 categories of violations under new traffic rules.