Karachi Traffic Police Collect PKR 1.2 Billion in Fines: A Year-Long Analysis

Karachi Traffic Police collected over PKR 1.2 billion in fines from July 2023 to July 2024. Despite claims of non-revenue generation, the volume of fines contradicts officials' statements. Critics argue for better use of funds and relief for citizens.

The Karachi Traffic Police have amassed over PKR 1.2 billion in fines over the past year, according to recently released official data, as reported by Dawn News. Between July 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024, more than two million citizens were fined, totaling PKR 1,294,886,450—approximately PKR 3.5 million per day. So far, PKR 1.19 billion has been paid, with over PKR 100 million still outstanding from more than 114,000 violators.

In the first seven months of 2024 alone, nearly one million challans were issued, amounting to over PKR 699 million. While Sindh's Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ghulam Nabi Memon, has stressed that the traffic police are not meant to be a revenue-generating entity, the high volume of fines suggests a different story. According to official sources, 30% of these fines are allocated to the traffic police, with the remaining 70% going to the provincial government. This allocation would entitle the traffic police to approximately PKR 360 million from the PKR 1.2 billion collected, reported Dawn News.

However, DIG-Traffic Ahmed Nawaz Cheema revealed that the traffic police have not received their entitled share of the fines for the past four to five years. Half of the allocated 30% is meant as cash rewards for officers, while the remainder is for procuring necessary equipment. Despite policy directives from IGP Sindh and Karachi Police Chief Javed Odho to focus primarily on moving violations, critics argue that the high volume of fines indicate a disregard for these instructions. Cheema mentioned the number of challans issued has dropped to one-third since Memon took office.

District East led in fines with over PKR 240 million, followed by District West and Malir with over PKR 224 million and PKR 207 million, respectively. District Malir has the highest pending fines, amounting to over PKR 20.6 million. MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar criticized the heavy fines, stating that Karachi, which contributes billions in taxes, is being pushed to the brink. He warned these measures could increase suicides and crime rates, according to Dawn News.

Sattar called for relief for citizens facing hefty fines. Former Citizen-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) Chief Jameel Yousuf echoed these concerns, arguing that fines should be used to improve traffic conditions. Yousuf suggested installing more signage to inform the public about traffic rules and reviving the concept of honorary magistrates from the early 90s to oversee traffic violation cases. However, this proposal was never fully implemented due to demands for government perks by the appointed magistrates. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)