Karachi’s Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Traffic Police, Pir Muhammad Shah, has termed the use of fake number plates a serious criminal offence and stressed that violators should be sent to jail to ensure strict enforcement of traffic laws in the city. His remarks come amid an ongoing crackdown against vehicles using forged or concealed registration plates, a practice authorities say undermines the effectiveness of the e-challan system and poses risks to public safety.
Speaking during a discussion on Geo News’ morning show Geo Pakistan, DIG Pir Muhammad Shah highlighted the positive impact of the e-challan system since its introduction in Karachi. He claimed that traffic accidents in the city have decreased by nearly 50 percent after the launch of e-challans, attributing the decline to improved enforcement and increased accountability among motorists. According to him, technology-based monitoring has significantly reduced violations by making it harder for offenders to escape penalties.
However, he noted that some drivers, in an attempt to evade fines, have resorted to installing fake number plates or deliberately concealing the registration numbers on their vehicles. “Since the introduction of e-challans, some members of the public have started using fake number plates,” Pir Muhammad Shah said. “Vehicles with fake plates or those whose numbers are hidden will be fined, and strict legal action will be taken against them.”
The DIG Traffic Police emphasized that the use of fake number plates is not a minor traffic violation but a criminal act. He argued that such practices facilitate other crimes, including vehicle theft, hit-and-run incidents, and evasion of law enforcement. “Those using fake number plates are criminals. They should be sent to jail,” he asserted, adding that leniency in such cases only encourages lawlessness on the roads.
Addressing concerns about road safety, Pir Muhammad Shah acknowledged that traffic accidents occur worldwide and cannot be completely eliminated. However, he maintained that effective systems like e-challans play a crucial role in reducing their frequency and severity. “Accidents happen everywhere in the world. It is not possible that accidents will completely stop with the introduction of any system,” he said. “But what we can do is reduce them, and the e-challan system has proven to be effective in this regard.”
The DIG further explained that the traffic police are focusing not only on issuing fines but also on changing public behavior through consistent enforcement. He said that when drivers know they are being monitored and held accountable, they are more likely to follow traffic rules, such as wearing seat belts, obeying speed limits, and respecting traffic signals.
In a related development, Karachi Police Chief Javed Alam Odho recently announced a large-scale operation against fake number plates across the city. During a press conference held alongside the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) chief and the DIG Traffic, the Karachi Police Chief reiterated the administration’s commitment to improving the city’s traffic system.
Javed Alam Odho stated that the introduction of e-challans has already brought noticeable improvements to traffic management in Karachi. “Since e-challans were introduced, there has been a clear improvement in the traffic system,” he said. He revealed that nearly 100,000 e-challans have been issued so far, reflecting both the scale of violations and the authorities’ resolve to enforce the law.
The police chief also pointed out that fake number plates are often used to avoid identification during criminal activities, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to track offenders. He stressed that eliminating such practices is essential not only for traffic discipline but also for overall law and order in the city.
Authorities have urged citizens to cooperate with the traffic police by ensuring that their vehicles carry original, clearly visible number plates issued by the relevant excise departments. They have warned that vehicles found with fake, altered, or hidden plates will face heavy fines, possible seizure, and legal proceedings.
As Karachi continues to struggle with traffic congestion, accidents, and enforcement challenges, officials believe that strict action against fake number plates and the continued expansion of the e-challan system will help bring lasting improvements. The message from the city’s top traffic and police officials is clear: violating traffic laws, especially through the use of fake number plates, will no longer be tolerated, and those responsible will face serious consequences.
