The bus owners’ association in Karachi has filed a petition in the Sindh High Court challenging the newly introduced E-Challan system implemented by the Sindh government. The petition argues that the official notification introducing the system is unlawful, as it does not comply with the required legal procedures.
According to the lawyer representing the bus owners, the fines imposed under the E-Challan system are unjustified given the current condition of Karachi’s roads and the lack of clear traffic signage. The petition highlights that a fine of Rs. 100,000 on commercial buses is excessive and could severely impact the transport sector, already struggling with high operational costs and poor infrastructure.
The petitioners acknowledged that camera-based monitoring for traffic violations is a positive step toward modernization but maintained that the fines are disproportionately high and financially unsustainable for transport operators. They further argued that, under the Motor Vehicle Act 2025, only a magistrate has the authority to determine penalties for traffic violations, not administrative bodies.
The petition also pointed out that the Sindh government has yet to establish dedicated traffic courts, making the current process of imposing fines legally questionable. Additionally, the petition noted the absence of designated bus stops across Karachi, leading to fines being issued unfairly when buses stop to pick up or drop off passengers.
The Sindh government introduced the E-Challan system as part of its broader plan to enhance traffic discipline and enforcement through digital monitoring. While some residents and officials view the initiative as a necessary measure to improve road safety, transporters and commuters argue that the system’s implementation has been hasty and burdensome, especially given the city’s inadequate road infrastructure and lack of proper traffic management.