Karachi’s ambulances e-challans controversy has triggered concern among major welfare organisations after dozens of emergency vehicles were issued fines worth hundreds of thousands of rupees. Relief groups say the penalties raise serious questions about how traffic laws are being applied to life-saving services in the city.
According to the reported details, two of Karachi’s largest welfare groups, the Edhi Foundation and the Chhipa Foundation, together received more than 50 e-challans. Even Rescue 1122, the Sindh government’s own emergency service, was not spared, with at least one of its vehicles also fined. Most of the penalties were reportedly issued for not wearing seat belts.
Karachi Ambulances E-Challans Controversy
Welfare organisations argue that many of these penalties were recorded while ambulances were actively transporting patients. They say drivers were focused on reaching hospitals quickly, yet were still fined through the city’s surveillance system.
In one reported case, an ambulance parked in a service lane in Clifton while a patient was being transferred was also issued an e-challan. Relief groups say this reflects a lack of flexibility in the enforcement system for emergency situations.
Read: Karachi Police to Issue Traffic E-Challans Using Mobile Phones
Officials from welfare organisations say emergency services such as ambulances and fire brigades are commonly treated differently in many parts of the world. In their view, emergency response work often requires immediate decisions that do not always allow strict compliance with minor traffic rules.
They also point to Karachi’s road conditions, weak signage and the absence of dedicated emergency lanes. According to the report, a previously introduced emergency lane in Saddar was removed within a day, leaving ambulances to navigate the same congested routes as everyone else.
