Digital traffic enforcement can transform Karachi’s chaotic roads. But for it to work equitably, several reforms appear necessary
By Hafsa Fareed Siddiqui
The introduction of e-traffic challans in Karachi and across Pakistan is welcome with its declared broader objectives: to modernize traffic management, reduce corruption and improve road safety. But, it has raised concerns about fairness, accessibility and societal impact.
Also, given the following salient scenarios prevailing in Karachi, it is doubtful that these objectives will be achieved. Firstly, with millions of Karachiites, for number of years navigating the misery of perpetually choked, severely dilapidated roads, damaged infrastructure, etc, they are paying heavily, in the form of their productivity, health complications, and overall, in all spheres of their lives.
Then, it cannot be emphasized enough that people’s issues are better dealt at grassroots level. Such a type of E-Traffic Challans project and other cities’ development affairs should be handled by local governments, whereas members of the national and provincial assemblies exercise considerable influence over local development spending and, therefore, are not keen on transferring power to the grassroots level. Hence, conflicting interests would once again generate, at the cost of Karachiites.
Transparency and accountability are vital for the eradication of corruption. Despite the lapse of decades since the inception of the country, while commenting on the latest 24th funding program, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), conveyed its dissatisfaction to the Ministry of Finance, government of Pakistan, over its weak management and accountability, and demanded improved fiscal management and transparency to minimize misuse of taxpayers’ money for individual and political whims. The IMF corruption and governance report, emphasizing the importance of transparency in combating corruption, points out that “while corruption vulnerabilities are present at all levels of government, the most economically damaging manifestations involve privileged entities that exert influence over key economic sectors, including those owned by or affiliated with the state.”
Now, let us examine this new initiative by the Sindh government at micro level.
1-Modernizing traffic management
Authorities in Karachi frame e-challans as a much-needed modernization and expect:
- Better relationship between motorists and traffic wardens
- Reduced corruption
- Improvement in revenue collection
- Build a data-driven understanding of traffic patterns
- A start of a rule-based behavior
Countries like Singapore, the UAE, and the UK have long used electronic enforcement to maintain discipline and reduce officer workload. But Pakistan’s sociotechnical landscape is different.
2- More than 40% of the population still lacks stable internet connectivity, says PTA.
While Pakistan has high mobile-phone penetration, among those who do have internet access, and others who struggle with literacy levels or are unfamiliar with digital portals, face the system’s biggest design gap, that is, Drivers aren’t notified in real time. E-challans accumulate unnoticed until a driver:
- Checks a website manually
- Visits a police office
- Tries to renew a license
- Or gets stopped at a checkpoint
By then, fines have multiplied — often beyond their ability to pay.
For daily-wage workers, delivery riders, and transport operators, this delay can be drastically damaging.
3- Class divide
At first glance, all this appears neutral, yet outcomes across Karachi reveal a class divide. While a PKR 2,000 challan may not be a financial burden for the affluent, it can erase an entire day’s income for a rider.
- Difficult appeal process
Contesting e-challans requires:
- Smartphone access
- Navigating Urdu/English digital forms
- Time off work
- Physical visits to traffic offices.
For daily-wage earners, the above are nearly impossible to comply.
5-Faulty cameras, incorrect plates
Without a simple viewer or direct link to video evidence, disputing errors becomes a bureaucratic maze.
- Procedural delays
Even when evidence is provided, decisions may take days — a loss of income for those whose vehicles get detained.
- Renters pay double
Many gig workers rent bikes. If the owner receives the challan, the renter may face penalties on top of the government fine. The system, critics argue, pushes the already vulnerable closer to debt and job loss.
6-Transparency backbone
A recurring suggestion from citizens is to show the evidence. Globally, digital traffic systems offer:
- Time-stamped video clips
- Photos of the violation
- Exact map locations
Not only does this improve trust, but it would also reduce administrative issues in Pakistan; however, the process remains opaque. Drivers must visit offices in person, request footage, and hope it is available.
Making video evidence accessible through a portal — with secure access to the registered owner — would significantly reduce disputes and frustration.
7-The debate over ‘push notifications’
Citizens widely demand real-time alerts:
- SMS notifications
- Digital app notifications
- Email alerts
- E-challan updates linked with mobile SIM
8- Enforcement agencies version
“We cannot deny that gaps exist. Technology is not perfect. But the intention is to make Karachi safer.” A police officer said.
Digital traffic enforcement can transform Karachi’s chaotic roads. But for it to work equitably, several reforms appear necessary:
- Automatic Real-Time Notifications: to prevent challan accumulation by informing motorists immediately.
- Open Access to Video Evidence: through a secure portal where vehicle owners can view proof of violations.
- Grace Period before Implementation: by issuing warning notices for 60–90 days before issuing fines.
- Clear Road Signage and Lane Markings: by fixing physical infrastructure before imposing digital penalties.
- Simplified Appeals: through online forms, language options, and prompt decisions.
- Subsidized Payment Plans for Low-Income Drivers: in the form of Weekly installments or reduced fines for first-time offenders.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: via Media, radio, and billboard outreach to help citizens understand the new system.
- Stronger Technology Audits: through Independent review boards to assess camera accuracy and data integrity.
Digital policing cannot succeed unless the system understands the lives of people, especially those who earn their livelihood daily.
Read: Traffic Accidents in Karachi
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Hafsa Fareed Siddiqui has a bachelor’s degree from the NED University, Karachi and currently enrolled in IBA Karachi’s MBA program.
