KARACHI — Nearly 30,000 traffic violation tickets have been issued across Karachi since the launch of the city’s new e-ticketing system, according to data shared by the police.
The Sindh Chief Minister inaugurated the Traffic Regulation and Citation System (TRACS) at the Central Police Office (CPO) last week, introducing a fully digital mechanism to replace the city’s old manual ticketing process. The AI-integrated system relies on advanced CCTV cameras to automatically detect violations such as overspeeding, red-light jumps, and failure to wear helmets or seatbelts.
Police data reveals that out of 29,609 tickets issued, the majority 17,639 were handed out to drivers not wearing seatbelts, while 6,362 were issued to motorcyclists without helmets. Another 1,967 motorists were fined for speeding, and 1,655 for running red lights.
Other common violations included using mobile phones while driving (943 tickets), tinted windows (298), parking in no-parking zones (165), and driving on the wrong side of the road (162). Additionally, 152 motorists were ticketed for carrying passengers on vehicle rooftops, while 91 were fined for stop-line violations.
Interestingly, police data showed that no tickets were issued for fancy number plates, sudden lane changes, or expired vehicle tax categories that have often been overlooked in enforcement drives.
Authorities say the system is part of a broader effort to modernize Karachi’s chaotic traffic management and improve road safety. In June, the provincial government announced that e-challans would be delivered directly to vehicle owners’ registered home addresses, with unpaid fines preventing the sale or transfer of vehicles.
The move comes amid a troubling rise in road accidents in Karachi. According to hospital data, nearly 500 people lost their lives and 4,879 were injured in traffic incidents during 2024 — many involving dumpers and water tankers. The alarming figures sparked widespread protests and led to new restrictions, including a ban on heavy vehicles during daytime hours and a mandatory vehicle fitness certification policy.
Officials believe the new system, combining digital surveillance and automated enforcement, could mark a turning point for Karachi’s long-standing traffic woes if backed by strict implementation and public cooperation.
