The Sindh cabinet has approved a major initiative to improve road safety and streamline traffic enforcement by empowering existing consumer courts to function as specialized traffic courts under the province’s e-challan system. The decision, announced by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, is subject to approval from the Sindh High Court.
Under the plan, consumer courts in every district will gain jurisdiction over traffic-related offenses, allowing for fast-track trials of violations issued through camera-based enforcement systems. CM Shah explained that using existing courts avoids the need to build new judicial infrastructure while ensuring a more efficient legal process.
The decision comes in response to a rapid increase in digital citations generated through Sindh’s Safe City and traffic policing initiatives. Officials report that tens of thousands of e-challans are now issued monthly, putting pressure on traditional civil and criminal courts to handle the volume effectively.
Motorists and transport associations have expressed concerns regarding the legal enforceability of e-challans, citing a lack of dedicated judicial channels for appeals. Several petitions have already been filed in the Sindh High Court, questioning the legitimacy of fines imposed without proper legal oversight.
By integrating e-challan cases into consumer courts, the government aims to provide a transparent and accountable system for adjudicating traffic offenses. The approach is expected to improve compliance, reduce congestion in regular courts, and enhance overall road safety.
The initiative also reflects the Sindh government’s broader focus on governance, urban transport reforms, and efficient utilization of digital enforcement technologies. Once approved by the Sindh High Court, the new system will mark a significant step toward modernizing traffic law enforcement across the province.
