Karachi launches drone-based e-challans

KARACHI (Web Desk) – Karachi has rolled out a new system of issuing e-challans through drone monitoring, expanding the technological upgrades introduced under the Safe City Project.

After installing automated, high-resolution cameras across the city, authorities have now moved to drone-based traffic enforcement—an unprecedented step in Pakistan.

In a joint operation by the Traffic Regulation and Citation System (TRACS) and the Safe City Authority, drones surveyed Saddar and adjoining neighbourhoods, identifying two vehicles violating no-parking and double-parking rules. Both were subsequently fined.

DIG Traffic Peer Mohammad Shah told that Karachi is the country’s first city to adopt drone-assisted challaning. He noted that new no-parking and double-parking signboards have been set up across Saddar, and their enforcement is now being ensured through aerial monitoring. During a recent operation on Zaib-un-Nisa Street, two motorists received e-challans of Rs10,000 each during the evening rush hour.

Authorities plan to expand this surveillance to Tariq Road, Rashid Minhas Road, and other key commercial zones following the system’s initial success. The DIG also revealed that “robot cars” will soon join Karachi’s traffic management system to help tackle persistent parking problems.

Officers are currently completing training, and the robotic units are expected to be deployed within the next two weeks.