Jamaat-e-Islami Challenges Karachi E-Challan System in Court
Jamaat-e-Islami filed a petition in Sindh High Court challenging Karachi's AI-based e-challan traffic ticketing system, alleging it issues fines to vehicle owners regardless of who actually committed violations and without adequate road infrastructure or proper vehicle ownership verification. The petition claimed over 30,000 citizens were fined within one week, with penalties up to 1,000 times higher than in other cities.
What happened
Jamaat-e-Islami filed a petition in Sindh High Court on November 5, 2025, challenging Karachi's AI-based e-challan traffic violation system. The petition, filed through advocate Osman Farooq, alleged that the automated system using CCTV cameras and artificial intelligence issues fines to vehicle owners regardless of who was actually driving the vehicle or committing the violation.
The petition argued that the e-challan system was implemented without proper road infrastructure, verification of vehicle ownership, or installation of speed limit signs and zebra crossings. It stated that vehicle ownership records in the Excise Department contain outdated information due to corruption, and poor road conditions force citizens to use alternative or incorrect routes. The petition also noted that traffic police conduct wrong-way traffic management in some areas due to development projects.
Reported impact
According to Jamaat-e-Islami's statement, over 30,000 citizens were fined within one week under the e-challan system. The petition alleged that fines increased a thousandfold compared to other cities, with motorcycle speeding violations fined at 5,000 rupees in Karachi versus 200 rupees in Lahore. Citizens earning 30,000 to 40,000 rupees monthly reportedly cannot afford the heavy penalties.
Index analysis
The petition identified the system as targeting vehicle owners rather than actual violators, creating a fairness issue where innocent owners may be penalized for violations committed by others. The system was deployed without adequate supporting infrastructure such as proper road signage, properly maintained roads, or correct vehicle ownership documentation, raising questions about the reliability of enforcement.
Governance controls
Jamaat-e-Islami requested that the e-challan system and fines be suspended, that the AI-based challan system without infrastructure be declared illegal, and that heavy fines be deemed discriminatory treatment of citizens. The petition invoked Article 9 of the Pakistani Constitution regarding state protection of citizens, arguing that the state failed to fulfill its responsibility by imposing fines while not maintaining adequate road infrastructure or traffic safety measures.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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