Karachi’s recently activated AI-based traffic monitoring system has sparked uncertainty among motorists, as many residents continue receiving e-challans despite wearing required safety gear.
The automated system — which began issuing fines on October 27 — initially caught thousands of people off guard. Although citywide compliance has improved, complaints about unexpected fines arriving at home have continued to rise.
Speaking to a private news outlet, DIG Traffic Peer Muhammad Shah outlined the reasons behind the ongoing penalties. He said the new system checks for a wider set of violations than many drivers and riders are aware of.
For motorcycle riders, he clarified that both the driver and the pillion passenger must have helmets on. Even if the rider is fully compliant, the system will automatically mark a violation if the passenger is unprotected.
The DIG added that front-seat passengers in cars are now treated the same as drivers when it comes to seat belt requirements. If the passenger is unbelted — even for a few seconds — the AI cameras log it as an offense.
He also advised delivery riders to carry an additional helmet for anyone who might ride with them, saying failure to provide one will also trigger an e-challan under the new enforcement rules.
