THE Traffic Police Department in Karachi has reverted to the practice of issuing manual challans after several months of using a digitised enforcement system, reflecting the government’s failure to maintain a self-sustaining traffic manage-ment system. The Sindh government invested billions in cameras powered by artificial intelligence (AI), drones and digital infrastructure to ensure transparent and automated traffic enforcement aimed at eliminating human interference and corruption.

This shift not only raises questions about the utilisation of public funds, but also undermines the very purpose of intro-ducing technology-driven enforcement. If such heavy investments were actually made, why is the system reverting to dated practices?

Moreover, manual enforcement often leads to inconsistency and bias. It is frequently observed that motorcyclists become soft targets, while luxury vehicles are overlooked. Even if the relevant authorities are restoring the old model, they must ensure transparency; other- wise, they should fully implement and strengthen the digital system in which the government has already invested heavily.

Amir Shahzad
Karachi

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026