Tech Desk 
Nov 26, 2025
An image shows faceless e-challan cameras set up at PIDC, Karachi, taken on November 9, 2025. — Gadinsider
The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Tuesday refused to suspend Karachi’s newly launched AI-based e-challan system. The court instead directed the provincial government and traffic police to submit their comments on multiple petitions challenging the initiative.
A two-judge bench, comprising Justice Adnan Iqbal Chaudhry, heard four identical petitions filed by Jamaat-e-Islami, Pakistan Markazi Muslim League, the Karachi Bus Owners Association, and Karachiites. The petitioners prayed for an immediate stay against the issuance of e-challans till the disposal of their petitions.
The counsel appearing for the bus owners contended that the intra-city buses were being fined under the new system and sought a stay order. The bench refused to grant the stay order, saying an interim order could not be issued at this stage. The matter will be decided after hearing all sides.
The court directed the Sindh chief secretary, home department, excise and taxation department and DIG Traffic to submit their replies by December 11.
The petitioners maintained that the AI-based system was initiated without proper road infrastructure, mechanisms for verification of vehicles, or supporting facilities. They contended that imposing heavy fines without fulfilling basic conditions was arbitrary and discriminatory. They also cited that similar systems in Punjab issued considerably fewer fines compared to Karachi.
SHC has ordered to keep the e-challan system operational while reviewing all the arguments in front of the court, hence balancing technological enforcement with legal and infrastructural concerns within a megacity like Karachi.
