Karachi’s growing traffic chaos now has a ticketing system that is being enforced by high resolution cameras to record violations such as signal jumping, helmet and seat-belt violations, overspeeding, wrong-way driving, tinted windows, and overloading. The footage goes to a central control room, where challans are issued automatically and sent to homes and mobile phones.
From October 27 to November 27, Karachi generated over 90,000 E-Challans, with fines ranging from Rs 5,000 to 100,000. Despite challenges, officials say early signs of improvement are visible, with fewer wrong-way incidents and better discipline at zebra-crossings. Officials argue that claim accidents have dropped up to 50%, though this has not been verified independently.
On the other hand, residents say the fines are too high; admittedly much higher than in Lahore and Islamabad. Motorcyclists and delivery workers complain that a single Rs 5,000 challan can wipe out their entire day’s income. Drivers also point out practical issues, such as vehicles without factory-installed seat belts. Authorities insist heavy penalties are standard worldwide and essential to change behaviour.
The system is part of Karachi’s Safe City project,with 1,076 cameras currently active. There are plans to expand the hidden cameras to 12,000 in the next two years.
