KARACHI: After rolling out an AI-based e-challan system in October 2025, authorities are preparing to further expand digital traffic enforcement by enabling traffic police officers to report violations directly through a mobile phone application.
Karachi Traffic Police to Issue E-Challans via Mobile App in Next Phase of Digital Enforcement
Under the proposed mechanism, a specially developed app will be installed on the personal mobile phones of authorised traffic police personnel in Karachi. Using the app, an officer will photograph a traffic violation during duty hours, and the image will be automatically transmitted to an e-challan officer, who will then issue the fine.
Officials said the mobile application has already been developed and will soon be launched on an experimental basis. Only selected and authorised officers will be allowed to use the app, and the identity of the reporting officer will be mentioned on the issued e-challan.
If a traffic violation is observed, the officer will capture photographic evidence through the app rather than stopping the vehicle, a move aimed at reducing on-road confrontation and ensuring transparency.
The initiative builds on the Traffic Regulation and Citation System (TRACS), launched on October 27, which replaced manual ticketing with a fully automated e-ticketing process. TRACS relies on AI-enabled CCTV cameras to detect violations such as over-speeding, red-light jumping and helmet non-compliance.
Authorities say the system eliminates human discretion and bias, promoting fairness and accountability. Tracs Sahulat centres established at major traffic offices and police stations assist citizens with fine payments, clarification of violations and contesting challans.
The system is integrated with government databases, including excise and taxation records, the driving licence system and Nadra e-Sahulat, as well as modern payment gateways, allowing citizens to view and pay fines online or through mobile devices. The Tracs mobile app further enables users to track violations and settle challans in real time.
In the first phase, 200 cameras have been installed across Karachi, with plans to expand the network to 12,000 cameras citywide and later to other districts of Sindh. Oversight is provided through coordination with the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee.
Since its launch, the e-challan system has sparked mixed reactions. Critics argue that Karachi lacks adequate infrastructure to fully support the initiative, while supporters say it is a long-overdue step toward improving road discipline and safety.
Last month, the Sindh government hinted at reducing fines for minor traffic violations, particularly those involving common mistakes by motorcyclists.
Defending the system before the Sindh High Court, the provincial government stated that the e-challan legislation was introduced in the interest of public safety and to reduce accidents, congestion and traffic violations. Authorities added that enforcement initially began only on major roads with proper infrastructure and after consultations with stakeholders and a public awareness campaign.
