KARACHI: Major welfare organisations in Karachi have raised serious concerns after ambulances were issued e-challans worth hundreds of thousands of rupees, highlighting challenges in the city’s traffic enforcement system and emergency response operations.
According to reports, dozens of e-challans in Karachi have been issued to emergency vehicles operated by Edhi Foundation and Chhipa Foundation. Together, these organisations received more than 50 fines, many of them for minor violations such as not wearing seat belts during emergency duties.
The situation has sparked criticism, especially as Karachi continues to struggle with poor road infrastructure, lack of proper traffic signage, and absence of dedicated emergency lanes. Welfare officials pointed out that ambulances are often penalized even while transporting critically ill patients to hospitals.
In one reported case, an ambulance parked in a service lane in Clifton during a patient transfer was issued an e-challan. Officials argue that such penalties undermine the core mission of emergency services, where saving lives is the top priority over strict adherence to minor traffic rules.
Even government-run emergency services were not exempt. A vehicle from Rescue 1122 was also fined, raising questions about the uniform application of traffic laws in Pakistan.
Welfare organisations emphasized that globally, emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire brigades are typically granted exemptions or special consideration during operations. They stressed that drivers often cannot focus on regulations like seat belts or speed limits when responding to life-threatening situations.
Adding to the issue, Karachi currently lacks functional emergency lanes. Officials noted that a previously introduced emergency lane in Saddar was removed within a day, leaving no dedicated pathway for ambulances to navigate through heavy traffic.
Meanwhile, authorities reported that over 23,000 motorists in Karachi have attempted to evade detection by covering number plates to avoid e-challans, indicating broader enforcement challenges in the city.
While officials from Rescue 1122 have instructed drivers to comply with traffic rules, welfare groups are urging the Sindh government and traffic police to review policies regarding emergency vehicles. They are calling for practical reforms that balance road safety with the urgent needs of emergency medical services in Karachi.
