The Central Muslim League has filed a petition in the Sindh High Court against the enforcement of strict traffic laws and the imposition of heavy e-challans in Karachi.
The petition, submitted by Ahmed Nadeem Awan, President of the Central Muslim League Karachi, names the Chief Secretary of Sindh, Sindh Government, Inspector General of Police, DIG Traffic Police, NADRA, the Excise Department, and other relevant authorities as respondents.
The petitioner argued that Karachi’s infrastructure has collapsed — roads across the city are broken and damaged — and under such conditions, imposing heavy traffic fines is nothing short of a punishment for citizens.
He further stated that threatening to block citizens’ CNICs (national identity cards) over unpaid traffic fines is a violation of fundamental rights, adding that the party has approached the court to challenge the ongoing injustice faced by Karachi’s residents.
Awan questioned the disparity in traffic penalties, asking: “How can two different laws exist within one country? In Lahore, the fine is Rs. 200, but in Karachi it’s Rs. 5,000 — why this discrimination?”
He emphasized that Karachi is the economic heart of Pakistan, and its residents are law-abiding and aware, yet they continue to face discriminatory treatment.
The petitioner accused the Sindh government of turning the e-challan system into a revenue-generating tool, while the condition of the city’s roads, traffic management, and civic facilities remains deplorable.
Awan warned that if this unjust treatment of Karachi’s citizens is not stopped, the Central Muslim League will expand its legal struggle against the system.
