The Sindh government is facing significant political backlash after introducing hefty traffic fines in Karachi, with penalties reaching up to Rs50,000. This decision has been widely criticized by major political parties such as Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), who argue that imposing steep fines on Karachiites is unfair given the city's poor infrastructure. The new traffic penalty system includes fines for over-speeding, ranging from Rs5,000 for motorcycles to Rs20,000 for heavy vehicles. Driving without a valid license can result in fines up to Rs50,000, while reckless driving attracts penalties of Rs25,000. Alongside these fines, a demerit points system has also been introduced to enforce stricter traffic discipline across the province.
The Sindh Transport and Mass Transit Department claims that these measures are part of a broader road safety initiative aimed at reducing traffic violations and saving lives. However, political leaders argue that these penalties are being enforced despite Karachi’s crumbling road infrastructure, malfunctioning traffic signals, and a lack of organized public transport. Jamaat-i-Islami Karachi chief Monem Zafar condemned the fines as “systematic injustice,” emphasizing that citizens are being penalized while basic civic facilities remain neglected. Similarly, MQM-P lawmakers criticized the government for imposing fines on a population already struggling with poor road conditions and inadequate public services. They described the fine hike as a result of government incompetence and corruption, pointing out that Karachi generates a substantial portion of both federal and provincial revenue but continues to suffer from a lack of development and essential services.
Both Jamaat-i-Islami and MQM-P have urged the Sindh government to reconsider the heavy fines and prioritize fixing roads, improving drainage systems, restoring traffic signals, and establishing a functional public transportation system. They have also called for increased transparency in the allocation of development funds, better training and oversight of traffic police, and public awareness campaigns to educate citizens before implementing such punitive measures. In response, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon defended the policy, stating that the intention behind the increased fines is to protect citizens by curbing dangerous behaviors like speeding, signal violations, and reckless driving. He stressed that these violations are life-threatening and that the government’s goal is to improve overall road safety, not simply to collect fines.
The ongoing debate highlights the challenges of balancing road safety enforcement with the urgent need for infrastructure development in Karachi, emphasizing the importance of addressing foundational civic issues to foster responsible driving habits.