Karachi is set to introduce “robot cars” equipped with automated cameras to curb no-parking violations, expanding its digital traffic enforcement system following the rollout of e-challans.
According to Traffic Administration DSP Kashif Nadeem, preparations for the new initiative have been finalised, and the vehicles will begin patrolling high-traffic commercial zones such as Saddar and Tariq Road in the initial phase.
These robot cars, driven manually but operating with automated surveillance, will move at roughly 20 kilometres per hour while continuously scanning surrounding roads. Any cars or motorcycles found double-parked or stopped in prohibited zones will be automatically issued e-tickets.
The Karachi Traffic Police already issue e-challans for no-parking violations through Safe City cameras, with current penalties set at Rs10,000 for cars and Rs2,000 for motorcycles.
DSP Nadeem added that in the next stage, the robot cars will identify violations and generate e-tickets without requiring any on-ground police involvement.
The system is part of the recently launched Traffic Regulation and Citation System (TRACS), introduced on October 27 to replace manual ticketing. TRACS uses AI-integrated CCTV cameras to detect violations like speeding, red-light jumping, and not wearing helmets.
Despite its technologically advanced approach, the automated system has faced backlash. Citizens have highlighted gaps in infrastructure and accuracy, pointing to cases where challans were issued to owners of stolen vehicles.
In one instance, a hotel’s management expressed shock after receiving a challan for a car that had been stolen, stating they would only pay the fine once the vehicle was recovered. Another motorcyclist received a ticket for a bike stolen four years earlier, while a separate complainant reported receiving a challan containing mismatched number plate information.
As Karachi expands its digital monitoring tools, residents continue to call for accuracy, improved infrastructure, and systems that don’t penalise victims of theft or database errors.
