Karachi, Nov 6: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Wednesday defended the provincial government’s recently launched e-challan system, describing it as a “bitter decision” necessary to save lives and enforce traffic discipline across the province.
Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Memon said the Sindh government had introduced the e-challan mechanism to curb violations and promote safe driving habits. The system, operational since last month, delivers traffic fines directly to vehicle owners’ registered home addresses.
“This is a bitter decision, but one that can save precious human lives,” the minister said, adding that the initiative aims to ensure strict adherence to traffic laws. He revealed that over 20,000 challans had been issued since the system’s rollout, with first-time offenders pardoned.
“I believe in this entire tenure, the greatest news Karachi residents have received is that of [the construction of] Shahrah-i-Bhutto,” Sharjeel Memon said, adding that once the road meets M9, it would be a huge convenience for Karachiites.https://t.co/x1MfLl0kwY
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Citing examples from abroad, Memon noted that in several countries, driving the wrong way could lead to imprisonment and vehicle impoundment for up to three years. “Traffic laws are for the people’s safety, not their harm,” he said, while assuring that the chief minister had directed improvements to Karachi’s infrastructure, including completing major projects by March.
Responding to reports of a legal challenge to the initiative, Memon said citizens and political parties had the right to approach the courts, but the government stood firm on implementing the system.
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Earlier in the day, Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) filed a petition in the Sindh High Court (SHC) challenging the AI-based e-challan system, terming it “arbitrary” and “discriminatory.” The petition — submitted by JI Karachi chief Monem Zafar Khan and other leaders — argued that the fines were “exorbitant,” imposed without adequate infrastructure, and penalised registered owners regardless of who was driving.
The plea further cited poor road conditions, lack of signage, and flawed vehicle ownership systems as reasons the initiative violates due process. It urged the court to suspend the notification introducing the system until the case is decided.
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