The Sindh government has agreed to reduce heavy traffic fines imposed on motorcyclists in Karachi following deliberations held by a special committee of the Sindh Assembly examining concerns related to the e challan system. The decision comes amid rising public criticism over the enforcement of digital traffic penalties, particularly from low income commuters who rely heavily on motorcycles for daily travel within the city. Officials indicated that the agreement was reached during a meeting convened specifically to address complaints about disproportionate fines and gaps in traffic infrastructure.
According to sources familiar with the proceedings, the meeting of the Sindh Assembly’s special committee on e challans was held at the request of Opposition Leader Ali Khursheedi and was chaired by Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar. During the session, committee members discussed the impact of existing fine structures on motorcyclists and owners of smaller vehicles. The government agreed not only to lower fines for motorcyclists but also to reduce penalties for vehicles with engine capacities of up to 1,000cc. Speaking at the meeting, Khursheedi emphasized that the opposition’s role extended beyond political statements and focused on practical engagement to resolve public concerns. He stated that while the opposition was not against the use of e challans as a digital enforcement mechanism, it was seeking relief from what were described as excessively heavy fines.
Home Minister Lanjar acknowledged the concerns raised during the meeting and said the provincial government faced limitations in terms of financial resources for large scale infrastructure upgrades. This acknowledgment came as opposition members argued that enforcement alone could not address Karachi’s persistent traffic issues. Khursheedi had earlier raised similar points while addressing a meeting of the provincial assembly’s interior committee, where he stated that increasing fines without improving basic traffic infrastructure would not resolve congestion or safety problems. He pointed out that many roads across Karachi lack proper lane markings and that traffic signals in several areas are either missing or not functioning correctly, making strict enforcement unfair and difficult to justify.
During discussions, Khursheedi stressed that imposing heavy penalties in the absence of functional road infrastructure places an undue burden on the poor and middle class. He described such penalties as unjust, particularly for motorcyclists who often have limited alternatives for commuting. He called for transparency and meaningful reform in the implementation of traffic laws, arguing that digital enforcement systems should be accompanied by visible improvements on the ground. The opposition leader reiterated that effective traffic management requires a combination of fair enforcement, operational traffic signals, and clearly marked lanes to guide road users.
The move to reduce fines follows sustained public backlash against Karachi’s e challan system, which was introduced as part of broader efforts to digitize traffic enforcement and improve compliance. While the system has been credited with increasing monitoring capabilities, critics argue that it has highlighted longstanding infrastructure deficiencies rather than resolving them. The Sindh government’s agreement to revisit fine structures signals an effort to balance digital enforcement with social considerations and public feedback. Officials indicated that further discussions would continue within the assembly committees to ensure that traffic management policies remain effective, equitable, and aligned with the realities faced by daily commuters in Karachi.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
