KARACHI: With the introduction of the new e-challan system across Karachi, a common question has left many citizens puzzled if someone is driving a vehicle that’s registered in another person’s name, who will be fined? Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar has provided a clear explanation.
The Home Minister said the e-challan system officially went live in Karachi on Monday. More than 10,000 cameras have been installed throughout the city to monitor traffic violations, while modern night vision cameras are also being set up under the Safe City Project.
Lanjar noted that traffic violations are rampant in Karachi, and the new system is designed to enforce better discipline on the roads. During the inauguration ceremony at Teen Talwar, he observed multiple signal violations firsthand — one of which resulted in an immediate e-challan being issued.
Clarifying a major concern among motorists, the minister said that the person in whose name the vehicle is registered will receive the e-challan, regardless of who was driving at the time of the violation. “Ownership does not automatically transfer after a vehicle is sold. If the new owner fails to update the registration, the challan will go to the registered owner’s name,” he explained.
To ensure fairness, the government has also set up 11 appeal centers across Karachi. Each center will have an SSP and two DSPs to review complaints and appeals from citizens who believe a challan was issued in error.
Lanjar further added that the speed limit for heavy vehicles has been fixed at 30 kilometers per hour, and new traffic signboards are being installed to guide drivers more effectively.
Addressing another issue, the minister commented on the tragic death of a young man named Irfan. He confirmed that a 30-day judicial inquiry has been ordered, which will be conducted by the Sessions Judge (South). “If it is proven that injustice was done, an FIR will be registered on the parents’ complaint. That’s why we’ve handed the matter over to the Judicial Commission,” Lanjar said.
The newly launched e-challan system marks a major step toward modernizing Karachi’s traffic management and ensuring greater accountability on the city’s chaotic roads.
