“Each place has its own dynamics”, the court responds to the argument that the penalties are greater in the metropolis
The constitutional bench of the Sindh High Court has refused to grant an immediate stay against the e-challan system, issuing notices to the DIG Traffic Police and other respondents to file their responses to a series of petitions against the new mechanism in Karachi.
A two-member bench, headed by Justice Adnan Iqbal Chaudhry, on Tuesday accepted petitions filed by Jamaat-e-Islami, Markazi Muslim League, bus owners’ associations and several citizens, questioning the legality and enforceability of traffic fines imposed through the e-challan system.
The petitioners’ lawyers argued that traffic fines in Karachi were much higher than those imposed in Lahore, calling the disparity discriminatory. The court, however, observed that Karachi could not simply be compared with other cities and observed that “every place has its own dynamics.”
During the hearing, the bus owners’ lawyer, Munisf Jan Advocate, complained that the buses were not allowed to pick up passengers. The court commented: “All buses must stop only at designated stops.” He maintained that there were practically no adequate bus stops in the metropolis. Judge Chaudhry responded: “We ourselves live in this city; we know the situation.”
The court ordered that all responses be consolidated and heard together, and adjourned the proceedings until December 11. The petitions have named Sindh Chief Secretary, Provincial Government, IG Police, DIG Traffic, NADRA, Excise Department and other relevant institutions as respondents.
Speaking to the media after the hearing, Markazi Muslim League leader Nadeem Ahmed Awan called the e-challan fines “unfair”, alleging that motorists were being “extorted in the name of law enforcement”. He maintained that the road infrastructure in Karachi is in poor condition and “facilities should be provided first.”
Awan claimed that the speed limit signs were only installed after millions in fines had already been collected. He said his party had taken the matter to court on behalf of the people and demanded that the e-challan system be suspended until basic traffic and road facilities were ensured.
