Traffic discipline in Karachi remains inconsistent despite the expansion of e-challan systems and surveillance cameras across major roads, as faulty signals, faded road markings, and weak infrastructure continue to create chaos.

Authorities launched a faceless e-ticketing system in October 2025 on key city corridors, aiming to improve enforcement through automated monitoring. However, officials say traffic conditions still depend heavily on whether signals are functional and wardens are present.

According to traffic police data, e-challans increased steadily from January to March before declining in April. Around 128,990 challans were issued in January, rising to 164,033 in March, before dropping to 144,437 in April. In total, over 593,000 violations were recorded in four months.

Despite this, on-ground observations show that drivers and motorcyclists often comply only on monitored roads such as Shahrah-e-Faisal, I.I. Chundrigar Road, Boat Basin, and PIDC signal. In contrast, intersections like Arts Council Chowk remain chaotic due to non-functional systems and manual traffic control.

Violations such as wrong-way driving, helmet non-use, and tampering with number plates continue across several routes, especially where enforcement is weak or inconsistent.

DIG Traffic Pir Mohammed Shah said enforcement has improved with technology integration but acknowledged fluctuations in violation data due to enforcement drives, seasonal traffic patterns, and operational priorities. He added that CCTV coverage is being expanded by more than 2,000 additional cameras under the Safe City project.

He also confirmed that enforcement continues across all major violations, though automated systems make certain offenses more visible in data trends.