The Sindh High Court has taken significant action against Karachi's newly implemented e-challan system, issuing formal notices to multiple government authorities following a petition that questions the legality and fairness of the traffic enforcement mechanism.
Court Proceedings and Key Orders
During Tuesday's hearing, the SHC bench directed all respondents to submit their official responses by November 25. The court further ordered that this petition be combined with other similar cases already pending before the judiciary, indicating a growing legal challenge to the traffic system.
The respondents named in the petition include some of Sindh's most significant administrative bodies: The Chief Secretary of Sindh Government, Inspector General of Police, DIG Traffic, NADRA, and the Excise Department. This comprehensive list demonstrates the petition's broad challenge to the entire implementation framework of the e-challan system.
Petitioner's Arguments Against E-Challan
The Markazi Muslim League, as the petitioner, presented several compelling arguments against the current e-challan implementation. They highlighted the concerning threat to block national identity cards for unpaid traffic challans, calling this approach a clear violation of citizens' fundamental rights.
One of the most striking arguments centers around the significant disparity in fine amounts between different Pakistani cities. The petition notes that while Karachi residents face hefty Rs5,000 penalties for traffic violations, the same infractions in Lahore only cost Rs200. This dramatic difference raises serious questions about equality under the law.
Infrastructure Concerns and Citizen Burden
The petition raises crucial questions about implementing such a stringent penalty system in a city struggling with basic infrastructure. According to the plea, Karachi's entire road network has deteriorated significantly, with most streets across the metropolitan area in various states of disrepair.
Despite these challenging conditions that often contribute to traffic violations, citizens are being burdened with substantial fines that many consider unjust given the circumstances. The petitioner has urgently requested the Sindh High Court to declare these discriminatory and unjust fines illegal, seeking relief for Karachi's commuting public.
The Sindh government had enforced the e-challan system in Karachi just last month as part of efforts to control growing traffic violations throughout the city. However, this legal challenge now puts the future of this digital enforcement mechanism in question as the court prepares to examine its legality and implementation fairness.
