The Karachi Traffic Police have introduced new concessions to encourage timely payment of e-challan fines for traffic violations.
Under the revised policy, first-time offenders can have their fines waived by submitting a written apology. For a second violation, motorists who pay their fines within 14 days will receive a 50% discount. However, all fines must be cleared within 21 days, after which the full amount will be charged.
For instance, a signal-jumping fine of Rs5,000 can be reduced to Rs2,500 if paid within two weeks. Officials confirmed that the discount applies to all e-challans paid within the grace period.
In a separate incident, the department drew public criticism after a traffic officer was filmed near Karachi’s Expo Center riding a motorcycle without a number plate, using the wrong indicator, and carrying a pistol. The video sparked outrage online over what many called “double standards” in law enforcement.
The E-Challan system has also faced backlash over technical faults and poor coordination. In one case, a citizen was fined Rs5,000 for a motorcycle that had been stolen in 2020, while another was penalized for a helmet violation despite being at home at the time.
These incidents have raised doubts about the credibility of Karachi’s automated traffic monitoring system, with citizens demanding a thorough review to fix errors and rebuild public confidence.