he Sindh High Court (SHC) on Tuesday declined to suspend Karachi’s newly introduced AI-powered e-challan system, marking a significant development in the city’s push for modernized traffic enforcement. Several petitioners had requested an interim stay on the system, but the court chose not to halt its implementation, instead directing provincial authorities to submit detailed replies. The next hearing has been scheduled for December 11, 2025, according to DAWN.
This decision comes amid heated debates over the fairness, feasibility, and legality of the enhanced e-challan structure, which many claim places an unreasonable burden on motorists in Pakistan’s largest city.
Background: Who Challenged the System and Why?
The petitions were filed by:
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Jamaat-e-Islami
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Karachi Bus Owners Association
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Pakistan Markazi Muslim League
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A private citizen
Collectively, they argued that the newly revised fines under the AI e-challan system are excessively high, disproportionate, and unfairly target Karachi’s motorists.
Key Concerns Raised by Petitioners
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Huge disparity in fines compared to other cities
Petitioners highlighted that certain minor traffic violations in Karachi now carry fines of Rs. 5,000, whereas similar offenses in Lahore may cost as little as Rs. 200. This stark difference, they argue, shows inconsistency and unfairness in traffic regulation across provinces. -
Penalizing vehicle owners instead of actual drivers
Under the current system, an e-challan is issued to the person whose name the vehicle is registered under — even if they were not the one driving during the violation. -
Infrastructure challenges
Karachi’s poor road conditions, lack of proper traffic signage, and non-existent or insufficient designated bus stops were also cited as major barriers to compliance, making it difficult for drivers to follow traffic rules consistently. -
Concerns over harsh enforcement measures
Petitioners raised constitutional questions about potential enforcement actions, such as:-
Blocking CNICs
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Suspending driving licenses
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Impounding vehicles over unpaid fines
They argued that these steps could be overly punitive and exceed the legal scope of traffic regulations.
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SHC’s Response: Traffic Discipline Comes First
Despite acknowledging some infrastructural challenges, the SHC bench made its stance clear: Karachi urgently needs better traffic discipline, and the AI e-challan system is a step in that direction.
Key Points from the Court’s Observations
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Comparison with Lahore is irrelevant
The court dismissed comparisons with Lahore, stating that “every city has its own dynamics” and cannot be judged based on other regions. -
Infrastructure issues do not justify suspending enforcement
While accepting that bus stops and signage may be lacking, the court still held that this was not a valid reason to halt the e-challan system. -
Bus operators must follow rules
In response to complaints from bus operators about being fined for roadside passenger pickups, the SHC advised them to adhere to designated stops — even though many operators argued that such stops do not exist in numerous areas.
What Happens Next?
The AI-driven e-challan system will remain fully operational in Karachi.
The SHC has instructed all relevant government departments to submit a consolidated response before the December 11, 2025 hearing.
This means motorists should expect e-challans to continue — and possibly even expand — as authorities further refine the digital traffic monitoring system.
Conclusion
The SHC’s refusal to suspend the AI e-challan system marks a significant reinforcement of Karachi’s ongoing traffic reforms. While concerns about fairness, infrastructure, and enforcement remain unresolved, the court’s stance indicates strong judicial support for digital traffic regulation as a tool for restoring order on the city’s chaotic roads.
As the December hearing approaches, all eyes will be on how the government responds to the petitioners’ concerns — and whether any adjustments will be made to the fine structure or enforcement measures.
