The minimum fine under the new system is Rs 5,000, which can be reduced by 50 per cent if paid within 14 days.
Accustomed to the lax enforcement of traffic rules in Karachi, the city’s residents were in for a rude awakening when the much talked about Traffic Regulation and Citation System came into operation.
Just six hours after its launch in the metropolis, the faceless Traffic Regulation and Citation System (TRACS) automatically generated over 2,600 e-fines worth over Rs 13 crore for various traffic violations.
According to DIG traffic police colleague Muhammad Shah, the new automated system uses cutting-edge surveillance technology including Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), Intelligent Transport System (ITS) and Facial Recognition (FR) cameras, all integrated under the Safe City Authority to identify and fine traffic violators.
The DIG added that modern surveillance cameras have been installed in 30 per cent areas of the city so far, and work in the remaining areas is expected to be completed soon.
Currently, major arteries and areas including Sharah-e-Faisal, Sir Shah Suleman Road, Rashid Minhas Road, Shahrah-e-Pakistan, Gulshan-e-Iqbal Chowrangi and Qayyumabad Chowrangi are covered. The total number of advanced cameras is expected to reach 12,000 in the next phase.
He clarified that e-challans will be issued only on fully compliant roads such as those equipped with lane markings, zebra crossings, stop lines and traffic signs. Roads lacking these basic facilities will not be included in the e-ticketing system.
According to the breakdown, the e-challans issued include 1,535 for seat belt violations, 507 for cycling without a helmet, 419 for speeding, 166 for jumping red light, 32 for using mobile phone while driving, four for stop line violations, three for lane line violations, seven for tinted windows, five for parking incorrect, five for stopping vehicles in no-parking zones and three for one-way violations.
DIG Shah revealed that heavy vehicles including trucks, dumpers, trailers, tankers and large buses will now have to install trackers directly connected to the DIG Traffic Office. The system will automatically issue challans if a heavy vehicle exceeds 30 kmph. He termed the initiative as a “revolutionary step” by the Sindh government to curb road accidents caused by reckless driving. Currently, trackers have been installed in 10,000 of the 22,000 large vehicles that circulate in the city.
From November 1, any heavy vehicle operating without a tracker will face a fine of Rs 100,000, while speeding violations by such vehicles will attract fines of up to Rs 20,000 each. The DIG announced that the traffic police signed an agreement with Pakistan Post to ensure prompt delivery of e-challans. Fines for violations will reach homes in Karachi, Hyderabad and Mirpurkhas within 24 hours, and other cities within three days.
He added that citizens can now download the traffic police mobile application or visit the Sindh Police website to register their CNIC numbers. Through this system, users can view all vehicles registered in their name and check if there are any violations or pending challenges. The DIG clarified that not all recorded violations will necessarily result in a fine; However, the data will help citizens identify their mistakes and improve their driving habits.
The minimum fine under the new system is Rs 5,000, which can be reduced by 50 per cent if paid within 14 days. The objective, according to the DIG, is not merely punitive but to inculcate traffic discipline and deterrence among citizens.
DIG Shah further revealed that following the directives of the Prime Minister and Home Minister, the government will establish Karachi Traffic Management Company within a month. The company, based on the proposals of the traffic police, aims to guarantee better coordination, road discipline and technological advance in the management of urban mobility.
“This system is a milestone in transforming traffic policing in Karachi into a modern, transparent and efficient framework,” said DIG Shah. “Citizens must realize that the era of manual challans is over – technology will now ensure accountability.”
