Karachi’s new e-challan system seemed to go out of control when a local resident, Hakeem Ullah, received five traffic fines in just one day. The incident forced the authorities to look into what appeared to be a technical error.

According to Hakeem Ullah, all the fines were issued on October 30. Three were from Mauripur at 12:03 p.m., and the other two were from Hassan Square at 12:13 p.m. All five fines were for not wearing a seatbelt. He said that the date and location mentioned on each challan were correct, but he was shocked to see that the total amount came to Rs. 50,000.

Traffic police officials said they had contacted Hakeem Ullah and asked him to visit the facilitation center so his case could be reviewed. They added that since it was his first violation, the fines would likely be canceled.

Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon defended the e-challan system, saying it was launched to ensure strict implementation of traffic rules and improve road safety in Karachi.

Speaking at a press conference, he said that some political groups were criticizing the system only for political reasons. He explained that the purpose of e-challans was not to trouble citizens but to make sure everyone follows traffic laws, as breaking them can cost lives.

Sharjeel Memon said that the provincial government had updated old traffic laws to make them more effective and that the new rules were already showing positive results. He added that the government would continue to make decisions in the public’s interest and that people should follow traffic laws to avoid losing money unnecessarily.