‘Each place has its own dynamics’ is the bench’s answer to the argument that the penalties are higher in the big city
The Sindh High Court Constitution Bench has refused to grant an immediate stay against the e-callan system and has issued 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 – took up the petitions on Tuesday, filed by Jamaat-e-Islami, Markazi Muslim League, Bus Owners Associations and several citizens, challenging the legality and enforceability of traffic fines issued through the e-callan system.
The petitioners’ counsel argued that the traffic fines in Karachi were much higher than those imposed in Lahore and termed the difference as discriminatory. However, the bench noted that Karachi could not be simply compared to other cities, observing that ‘every place has its own dynamics’.
During the hearing, the bus owners’ lawyer, Munisf Jan Advocate, complained that buses were not allowed to pick up passengers. The court observed: “All buses are required to stop only at designated stops.” He argued that proper bus stops were largely non-existent in the metropolis. Judge Chaudhry replied: “We ourselves live in this city; we know the situation.”
The court ordered that all responses be consolidated and heard together and adjourned the matter to 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 termed the e-callan fines ‘unfair’ and alleged that motorists were being ‘extorted in the name of enforcement’. He claimed that road infrastructure in Karachi is in poor condition and “facilities must be provided first”.
Awan claimed that speed limit signs were installed only after millions had already been collected in fines. He said his party had taken the matter to the court on behalf of the people and demanded that the e-callan system be suspended until basic traffic and road facilities are ensured.
