The Sindh government has signalled possible relief for motorists, including reduced fines for minor traffic violations and common motorcyclist mistakes.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar said opposition parties had raised concerns over the new system during a consultative meeting. Speaking on Geo News’ programme Geo Pakistan, he said the government invited lawmakers to submit recommendations to improve the e-challan framework.
The e-challan initiative forms part of the Traffic Regulation and Citation System (TRACS), launched on October 27. The system replaces manual ticketing with automated enforcement through AI-enabled CCTV cameras. These cameras detect violations such as speeding, red-light jumping, and helmet non-compliance.
Since its rollout, the system has sparked debate. Critics argue Karachi lacks sufficient road infrastructure and traffic facilities to support strict digital enforcement. Lanjar acknowledged these concerns and stressed the need for broader improvements in traffic infrastructure.
Despite criticism, the minister said the system has already delivered results. He noted a decline in traffic fatalities since the introduction of automated challans. Officials also note that TRACS eliminates human discretion, reduces on-road confrontations, and improves transparency in traffic policing.
Read: Sindh Forms Committee to Review E-Challan System, May Revise Fines
Support centres and digital access
To assist citizens, TRACS Sahulat centres now operate at major traffic offices and police stations. These centres help motorists pay fines, understand violations, and challenge incorrect challans.
The system connects with key government databases, including excise and taxation records, the driving licence system, and NADRA e-Sahulat. Motorists can view and pay fines online or through mobile devices. A dedicated mobile app also allows real-time monitoring and settlement of challans.
Authorities have installed 200 cameras in the first phase. Plans are in place to expand the network to 12,000 cameras across Karachi, with a later rollout across Sindh.
Daytime ban on heavy traffic
Addressing rising accidents involving heavy vehicles, Lanjar said the government has banned trawlers operating from the port during daytime hours. He clarified that a complete ban on water tankers is not feasible given the city’s reliance on tanker-supplied water.
The Karachi administration has imposed a two-month daytime ban on dumpers and heavy vehicles. Under the notification, heavy traffic is prohibited from entering the city limits between 6am and 10pm.
Read: Sindh to Introduce E-Challans for Food Safety Violations
The decision followed alarming accident data. Police records show at least 536 people died in traffic accidents during the first eight months of 2025. Sixty of those deaths involved trucks. Buses, minibuses, coaches, and trailers also accounted for dozens of fatalities.
To manage flow, authorities have redirected heavy vehicles to specific routes, including the New Karachi Industrial Area, Godam Chowrangi, Yunus Chowrangi, Gulbai, Mauripur, and designated bypass corridors.
Officials say these combined measures aim to improve road safety, reduce congestion, and make Karachi’s traffic enforcement system more balanced and effective.
*With additional information incorporated from Geo News Pakistan
