Lahore traffic police have proposed linking unpaid e-challans to essential public services, including CNICs, passports, vehicle transfers and certain police services. Chief Traffic Officer Syed Abdul Raheem Shirazi has sent the recommendations to higher authorities for consideration.
Under the proposal, authorities could restrict services at Police Khidmat Markaz for citizens with outstanding digital traffic fines. The move has sparked controversy, with critics questioning whether the proposal could infringe citizens’ constitutional rights.
Proposal Draws Legal and Police Concerns
The CTO has recommended stopping services such as duplicate CNIC issuance, passport renewals and vehicle sale or transfer transactions for e-challan defaulters. Certain police services could also become conditional on clearing outstanding fines.
A law firm is reportedly preparing to challenge what it describes as an executive order by an individual officer in the Lahore High Court. Critics have also cited constitutional protections and previous Supreme Court judgments while opposing the proposal.
Traffic Police Defend E-Challan Recovery Plan
A City Traffic Police spokesperson confirmed that the CTO proposed a mechanism to recover pending e-challan payments. He said the plan would connect certain police, CNIC and passport services with clearance of outstanding digital fines.
The spokesperson said formal communication had been sent to the Punjab DIG Traffic Police and the Punjab Information Technology Board. According to officials, faster recovery could increase government revenue and reduce administrative costs.
The traffic police also believe the mechanism could help clear cases pending before courts. However, the proposal still requires consideration by the relevant authorities before implementation.
