KARACHI: The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has filed a petition in the Sindh High Court (SHC) challenging Karachi’s newly implemented AI-based e-challan system, citing widespread public complaints and legal irregularities.
The petition, submitted by JI Karachi chief Munam Zafar and others through Advocate Usman Farooq, argues that the automated traffic fine system—introduced by the PPP-led provincial government—violates citizens’ rights as it issues challans to vehicle owners rather than actual drivers.
It contends that the system was launched without improving road infrastructure, installing proper traffic signs, or ensuring accurate vehicle ownership verification. The plea also objects to what it calls “excessive fines and unlawful penalties”, including licence suspension and blocking of national identity cards.
The petition further highlights that many vehicles in Sindh are operated on open letters, while excise records remain outdated due to corruption and delays. Poor road conditions, missing zebra crossings, and ongoing construction projects—forcing drivers onto wrong routes—were also cited as causes of unintentional violations.
Calling the system “discriminatory and unlawful”, the petition urged the SHC to suspend e-challan enforcement until proper infrastructure and record verification measures are in place.
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Pakistan’s power distribution companies (Discos) have sought approval from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) to impose fixed charges on solar net metering users, arguing that the rapid expansion of rooftop solar systems is undermining their financial stability.
The proposal—backed by the Ministry of Energy—suggests levying fixed charges on electricity exported by net metering users to offset financial losses. It comes amid a drop in national grid demand and excess capacity in the gas and power sectors, as high electricity tariffs drive more households and industries toward solar energy.
A previous government plan to slash the solar buyback rate to Rs. 10 per unit faced intense public backlash and was eventually rejected by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
