Karachi has formally introduced the e-challan system, signaling a major change in the way traffic management and enforcement will be carried out across the city. Under the new arrangement, traditional traffic checkpoints have been dismantled and challan machines previously used by traffic sections have been withdrawn, shifting enforcement away from on-the-spot fines and toward a fully digital framework. The move reflects the city’s broader commitment to adopting technology for improved urban governance and citizen services.
The e-challan process is based on violations captured through CCTV cameras strategically placed across Karachi’s road network. Instead of being stopped by traffic police at checkpoints, vehicle owners will now receive challans supported by photographic or video evidence. The digital record will be transmitted directly to the registered owner, eliminating opportunities for disputes and introducing a transparent system of accountability. Traffic officials emphasized that the change is designed to increase fairness, reduce unnecessary interruptions on the road, and enhance overall efficiency in traffic management.
With the introduction of this system, the role of traffic officers has also been redefined. Officers will no longer issue manual fines during routine patrols but will focus primarily on ensuring the smooth flow of vehicles across congested intersections and main thoroughfares. They have been authorized to remove vehicles that cause blockages but have been instructed to discontinue the practice of lifting motorcycles, a measure often criticized by the public. By limiting interventions to situations that directly affect traffic movement, the department aims to create a more predictable and less disruptive commuting experience for Karachi’s motorists.
The decision to implement the e-challan system citywide was made on the directives of Inspector General Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon. DIG Traffic issued orders for the full rollout, describing it as an important step in modernizing Karachi’s approach to traffic monitoring and enforcement. Authorities view the initiative as part of a broader digital transition that aligns with global practices in urban traffic management, where technology plays a central role in reducing human error, improving compliance, and creating a structured enforcement environment.
The launch of e-challan in Karachi represents a significant advancement in integrating digital systems into everyday city operations. By linking enforcement with surveillance technology, the initiative is expected to streamline penalties, improve transparency in road safety management, and reduce direct confrontation between motorists and police officers. For one of the world’s largest cities, adopting such digital measures could help set the tone for future reforms in urban administration, where efficiency and fairness remain central objectives.
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