Popular Pakistani actress and Television host, Sanam Jung, has said that she has received six traffic fines in just one month after returning to Pakistan. The actress claimed that some of the fines were issued for violations she did not commit.
In a video shared on Instagram, the actress spoke about her experience with Karachi’s e challan system.
She said her father has also been upset after seeing the number of fines issued in such a short time.
Sanam admitted that her first fine was for using a mobile phone while driving and said she accepted responsibility for that violation.
However, she claimed that some of the later fines were incorrect. This includes the one she received for not wearing a seat belt.
The actress said she always wears a seat belt because it has become a habit after living abroad. She added that she does not even start driving without fastening it first.
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Sanam said that she does not understand why she is being fined for offences she did not commit. She further added that she has also been scolded at home because of the repeated fines.
Netizens react
Social media users have shown mixed reactions to the video; one humorously said that she is being ‘welcomed’ to Pakistan. While another said, ‘Welcome to Karachi.’
A netizen commented about a similar experience, saying, “My driver got a seat belt fine when he was wearing it, so we visited the relevant office; they checked the footage and cancelled the fine. His clothes and seat belt colour were the same, so he received a fine. But was sorted upon his visit.”
One of the netizens also reacted to the criticism harshly, commenting, ‘Please stop nitpicking, stay where you do not receive the fines.’
Since it was introduced, the Karachi e challan system has issued thousands of fines for traffic violations such as speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, and not wearing seat belts.
Authorities say that the purpose of the system is to improve road safety and encourage people to follow traffic rules.
