Karachi: The Karachi Traffic Police have intensified their digital enforcement campaign against traffic violations, issuing more than 3,400 electronic challans (e-tickets) in a single day. According to an official report released by the traffic authorities, a total of 3,485 e-challans were recorded across the city on Monday, with the majority issued for not wearing seat belts while driving.
As per the breakdown provided by the Traffic Police, 2,433 challans were issued for drivers failing to wear seat belts — the highest among all violations. Officials emphasized that this particular offense remains one of the most persistent safety issues in Karachi, despite repeated awareness campaigns and visible signage urging compliance.
The data further revealed that 511 e-challans were issued to motorcyclists for riding without helmets, a violation that continues to cause a high number of fatalities in road accidents. In addition, 78 motorists were penalized for using mobile phones while driving, which police officials described as “a growing menace contributing to distracted driving and road mishaps.”
Other violations recorded on Monday included 27 e-challans for driving in the wrong direction, 51 for over-speeding, and 45 for allowing passengers to sit on the roofs of buses—a dangerous practice that endangers commuters’ lives. The traffic police also noted five cases of zebra crossing violations, underscoring the city’s broader challenge in ensuring pedestrian safety.
A senior official of Karachi Traffic Police said that these challans were issued using an automated surveillance and monitoring system installed at various intersections and main roads across the metropolis. The system captures real-time footage and automatically detects violations through number plate recognition technology.
“Drivers must understand that traffic laws are not just about penalties; they are meant to protect lives,” the official stated. “We have witnessed a significant number of road casualties due to basic rule violations such as not wearing helmets or seat belts. The e-challan system helps ensure that offenders are held accountable without the need for manual policing.”
Authorities also confirmed that repeat offenders’ data is being digitally tracked, and stricter actions will follow for individuals who continue to violate the law despite repeated fines. The system links each challan to the vehicle owner’s registration, and unpaid challans can lead to restrictions on vehicle documentation renewal.
The Karachi Traffic Police reiterated that the primary aim of this operation is road safety, not revenue collection. Officials urged citizens to cooperate with the e-challan system by following rules, checking challan details online, and paying fines promptly to avoid further penalties.
In recent months, the Karachi Traffic Department has expanded its digital network to curb reckless driving and ensure smoother traffic flow. Officials say that consistent enforcement of road safety regulations, combined with public education campaigns, can significantly reduce the number of accidents in Pakistan’s largest city.
