• IGP agrees long-term success of initiative links to inter-agency coordination
• Says owners who sold their vehicles but getting e-tickets have to visit traffic facilitation centre to submit evidence
• Concedes vehicles without number plates or bearing AFR markings cannot be issued automatic e-tickets
KARACHI: Following public backlash over the recently introduced e-ticketing system — particularly in light of heavy traffic fines and inadequate road infrastructure — the Sindh government is considering reducing the fine amount of challans for various violations.
On Oct 27, the Sindh chief minister inaugurated the AI-powered Traffic Regulation and Citation System (Tracs) and within one week the traffic police sent around 30,000 challans worth millions of rupees to registered owners of vehicles for violations, including not wearing seatbelt, tinted glasses, riding motorbike without helmet, etc.
Citizens and political parties have been criticising the Pakistan Peoples Party-led Sindh government and police for imposing heavy fines just to “mint money”.
At least three petitions have been filed before the Sindh High Court and notices have been issued to the Sindh government and police on two of them.
However, it is heartening to see vehicles stopping at traffic lights in designated areas, and motorcyclists wearing helmets ever since the new system became functional.
Sources told media that Karachi-based politicians belonging to the ruling party as well as some senior police officials had expressed their concerns to the provincial government high-ups that a very good initiative had been politicised by certain quarters for their own political gains only because of the fact that “fines on some of the violations are on a very higher side”.
They suggested that the provincial government could counter this criticism by rationalising or lowering traffic fines for a period of its own choice.
The sources added that there was a growing realisation within the government and police circles that fines alone could not bring about a change in the traffic culture of the metropolis.
They emphasised the need to involve civic bodies as well as the Excise and Taxation Department in a coordinated effort to make the system more effective.
“Yes, absolutely,” replied Inspector General of Sindh Police Ghulam Nabi Memon when asked whether the success of the new system hinged on close cooperation between traffic police, district and local administration and agencies responsible for improved infrastructure in the city and without this the e-ticketing system and the police would continue to earn people’s ire.
“The long-term success of Tracs depends on strong inter-agency coordination between traffic police, local administrations, excise department, TMCs, KMC, and other civic bodies,” he added.
Responding to another question whether the fines were proportionate to Karachiites’ average monthly income, he stated: “The fine structure has been designed keeping in view deterrence and road safety, rather than revenue generation. It is important to note that traffic fines are not an unavoidable burden — they are avoidable by choice. Citizens who drive responsibly, follow signals, and respect laws will never incur penalties. The purpose is to promote a culture of compliance, discipline, and safety on Karachi’s roads.”
A senior provincial government official and the ruling PPP leader told media on condition of anonymity that while the CM had already announced that “first-time” violators of traffic rules could have their fines waived within 10 days by submitting an apology in person, there was a strong possibility that the government would announce a significant reduction in the fine amount on certain violations by the end of this month.
He, however, made it clear that the system would not be rolled back or even suspended. Instead, he said, this system would soon cover entire Karachi and other districts of the province.
Hardship to registered owners who sold their vehicles
At present, registered vehicle owners face a distressing situation if they receive a challan for a vehicle they once owned but that has been sold to someone who has failed to have it transferred in their name.
In such cases, the previous owner is compelled to run from pillar to post, submitting documents and giving explanations to the excise and police authorities to prove that they no longer own the vehicle.
Likewise, the registered owner of a vehicle also suffers in the form of “demerit points” when a challan is issued for a violation, regardless of whether he or she was actually driving at the time.
The owner must bring the person who committed the violation before the relevant traffic office, after which the challan is reissued in the offender’s name.
The IGP explained that as per the Motor Vehicle Ordinance, the registered owner of a vehicle is legally responsible for its use until the ownership is officially transferred.
He said: “If a vehicle has been sold but not transferred, it remains in the name of the previous owner in the Excise record. Therefore, Tracs issues tickets against the registered owner, as recorded in the official database.
“In all the cases where a ticket is issued to a previous owner who has already sold the vehicle, the matter will be resolved at any Sahulat Centre [11 Traffic Facilitation Centres established across the city to assist citizens and address any complaints or issues related to e-ticketing]. The previous owner only needs to provide a proof of sale along with a letter from the Excise and Taxation Department confirming the transfer or sale. Upon verification, the e-ticket will be cancelled immediately,” he added.
Regarding the vehicle, the police chief said it would be blacklisted in the Tracs database. “Whenever it is detected through the Safe City camera network, it will be detained by the Excise Department and will not be released until the current possessor formally transfers ownership in their name.”
In cases where demerit points are assigned to a vehicle owner who was not driving at the time of violation, the IGP stated that the owner “simply needs to visit any Sahulat Centre along with the actual driver and provide the necessary explanation. After due inquiry and verification, the demerit points will be removed from the owner’s driving licence and transferred to the driver responsible for the violation”.
Impunity for vehicles
While law-abiding citizens become easy targets under the faceless e-ticketing system as they are being charged for merely switching lanes on roads like Sharae Faisal and I.I. Chundrigar Road, those driving vehicles with ‘AFR’ (Applied for Registration) plates or without number plates altogether are continue to do so with greater impunity as the system is not equipped to identify such vehicles to take action.
When asked about vehicles without number plates or AFR number plates, IGP Memon told media that the Tracs identifies vehicles solely through their number plates. “Therefore, vehicles without number plates or bearing AFR markings cannot be issued automatic e-tickets, as the system relies on plate recognition for identification.”
He, however, claimed enforcement action is taken on the ground against such vehicles. “All vehicles found without proper registration plates are impounded on the spot and handed over to the Excise and Taxation Department. Excise teams accompany police during these operations, and legal action is initiated against violators in accordance with the law,” he stated.
Published in media, November 11th, 2025
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