SHC issues notice to Sindh govt over heavy traffic fines in Karachi

The Sindh High Court has issued notices to the provincial authorities in a petition challenging the e-challan system and heavy traffic fines imposed for traffic violations in Karachi.

The court has sought replies from the official respondents by November 25.

According to the petition, the fines imposed for traffic violations in Karachi are disproportionately high compared to other provinces.

It stated that, for instance, a violation carrying a fine of Rs. 200 elsewhere results in a penalty of Rs5,000 in Karachi — a disparity the petitioner described as unjust and unreasonable.

The petition further argued that recent traffic law reforms have not been implemented in other major cities of Sindh, calling for uniformity and fairness in enforcement. The petitioner requested the court to suspend the implementation of the current fine structure until the authorities justify its fairness.

Those named as respondents in the petition include the Chief Secretary of Sindh, the Inspector General of Sindh Police, the Deputy Inspector General of Traffic Police, the Director General of Excise and Taxation, and the Director General of NADRA.

After hearing the initial arguments, the Sindh High Court issued notices to all respondents and directed them to submit their replies by November 25.