The bus owners’ association has filed a petition in the Sindh High Court challenging the recently introduced E-Challans system in Karachi. The petition claims that the government’s notification is unlawful and fails to meet legal requirements.
The lawyers representing the bus owners argued that the fines imposed under the E-Challans system are excessive and unfair. “Rs. one lac fine on commercial buses in the city will break the back of the transport business,” the petition stated. They also cited poor road conditions and unclear traffic signage as reasons the fines are unjust.
While the petition acknowledges that camera monitoring is a good initiative, the amount of fines is considered unbearable. Petitioners stressed that, under the Motor Vehicle Act 2025, only a magistrate has the authority to decide punishment for traffic violations.
The petition further pointed out that the Sindh government has yet to establish traffic courts, making it legally problematic to impose fines through the E-Challans system. Lawyers also highlighted the lack of fixed bus stops, stating that buses are being fined for stopping to pick up or drop passengers.
The E-Challans system was recently rolled out by the Sindh government as part of efforts to improve traffic management in Karachi. While some citizens have welcomed the initiative, many bus owners and commuters have raised concerns about its implementation and the high fines.
Legal experts suggest that the outcome of this petition could have significant implications for how E-Challans are enforced in the city. They said the court will likely examine whether the system aligns with existing laws and whether proper procedures were followed before fines were issued.
The Sindh High Court is expected to hear the petition in the coming weeks, with both the government and the bus owners preparing to present their arguments.
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