The enforcement of the e-challan system in Karachi sparked a strong reaction from citizens on Tuesday, as motorists criticised the Sindh government for neglecting the city’s deteriorating road infrastructure while issuing heavy fines.

According to the Karachi Traffic Police, more than Rs12 million in fines were imposed within six hours of the system’s implementation.

A total of 2,662 e-challans were issued during the initial hours, including 419 for overspeeding, three for lane violations, four for stop line breaches, 1,535 for not wearing seat belts, 166 for running red lights, and 507 for riding without helmets.

While authorities described the system as a step toward safer and more disciplined driving, residents expressed frustration over what they called an “unfair” crackdown amid the city’s worsening road conditions.

“Instead of repairing roads full of potholes and uneven patches, the government has chosen to penalise drivers,” one commuter said.

Many pointed out that even major arteries like M A Jinnah Road and Sharea Faisal are riddled with cracks and potholes, making driving both dangerous and uncomfortable.

Residents also complained that the ongoing development work — particularly the Green Line project along University Road — has further worsened traffic congestion.

“Traffic jams at multiple points on University Road have become a daily routine,” said another driver, adding that rather than addressing these issues, authorities are “punishing motorists through e-challans.”

Despite the criticism, traffic officials maintain that the digital enforcement system will help improve compliance with traffic laws and reduce road accidents in the city.