A new fashion trend has swept across Pakistan’s roads and it’s as controversial as it is creative. The so-called “Seatbelt T-shirt” a simple shirt printed with a black seatbelt graphic has gone viral as drivers attempt to outsmart the country’s newly introduced e-challan system.
The shirt, designed to give the illusion that the wearer is properly buckled up, has become a hot topic online. On platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X, users are sharing funny clips of themselves “safely” behind the wheel, proudly sporting the deceptive design.
The trend gained traction soon after traffic authorities rolled out automated e-challans in major cities including Karachi, Lahore, and Faisalabad. The digital system identifies common violations such as driving without a seatbelt, using a mobile phone, or jumping red lights. Once detected, the fines are automatically sent to the vehicle owner’s registered address leaving little room to escape accountability.
In Karachi alone, dozens of motorists some even from government departments have been fined for ignoring basic traffic rules. The sharp increase in penalties has led many to look for “desi hacks” to avoid getting caught, and the Seatbelt T-shirt quickly became one of them.
While the trend has amused many, it has also drawn criticism. Road safety advocates warn that such gimmicks only endanger lives, while traffic officials have made it clear that camera systems are advanced enough to spot real seatbelt use.
Authorities have urged citizens to avoid shortcuts and take safety seriously. “A printed belt won’t save your life a real one will,” an official reminded. The message is clear: safety on the road isn’t about fooling the camera, it’s about protecting yourself and others.
