The minimum fine under the new system is Rs.5,000, which can be reduced by 50 percent if paid within 14 days
Accustomed to the relaxed implementation of traffic rules in Karachi, city dwellers got a rude awakening when the much talked about traffic regulation and citation system actually became operational.
Within just six hours of its launch in the metropolis, the faceless Traffic Regulation and Citation System (TRACS) automatically generated more than 2,600 e-tickets amounting to over Rs13 million for various traffic violations.
According to DIG Traffic Police Peer Muhammad Shah, the new automated system uses advanced 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.
DIG added that modern surveillance cameras have so far been installed in 30 percent of the city’s areas and work in the remaining zones 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 coming 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 signals. Roads lacking these basic facilities will not be included in the e-ticketing system.
According to the breach, the e-challenges issued include 1,535 for seat belt violation, 507 for riding bicycles without a helmet, 419 for speeding, 166 for jumping a red light, 32 for using a mobile phone while driving, four for violating the stop line, three for violating the lane line, five for parking improperly, five for parking improperly, five for parking improperly. 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 be required to install trackers linked directly to the DIG Traffic Office. The system automatically issues challenges if a heavy vehicle exceeds 30 km/h. He termed the initiative as a “revolutionary step” by the Sindh government to curb road accidents caused by reckless driving. Currently, trackers are installed in 10,000 out of 22,000 large vehicles operating in the city.
From November 1, any heavy vehicle plying without a tracker will face a fine of Rs.100,000, while speeding violations by such vehicles will attract fines of up to Rs20,000 each. DIG informed that the Traffic Police has signed an agreement with Pakistan Post to ensure speedy delivery of e-challans. Tickets for violations will reach homes in Karachi, Hyderabad and Mirpurkhas within 24 hours and in 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 for any violations or pending challenges. DIG clarified that not every recorded violation 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 percent if paid within 14 days. According to DIG, the goal is not just to punish, but to instill traffic discipline and deterrence among citizens.
DIG Shah further revealed that following the directives of the Chief Minister and the Home Minister, the government will establish the Karachi Traffic Management Company within a month. Based on the traffic police’s proposal, the company aims to ensure better coordination, road discipline and technological progress in urban mobility management.
“This system is a milestone in transforming Karachi’s traffic enforcement into a modern, transparent and efficient framework,” said DIG Shah. “Citizens must realize that the era of manual challenges is over – technology will now ensure accountability.”
