HAFIZABAD: The Hafizabad Traffic Police have issued a record 46,400 challans so far this year, collecting over Rs41.3 million in fines for various violations.
While officials hail the figures as proof of strict enforcement and improved road safety, residents and the business community criticize the approach as punitive and quota-driven, lacking focus on sustainable traffic management.
In 2025, 6,209 motorists were fined for one-way violations, 6,688 for driving without licences, 1,545 for riding without helmets, 8,014 for overloading, 2,107 for underage driving, and 1,724 for lane violations. Additionally, 2,254 vehicles were fined or impounded.
The high volume of fines is seen as excessive for Hafizabad’s size and population. Shopkeepers describe the measures as economic harassment and indiscriminate, adding to pressures amid inflation.
The traffic department defended its actions, stressing safety and law enforcement as priorities. They called obedience to traffic laws essential for a responsible and safe society.
Residents urge a review of the enforcement model, emphasizing the need for education, better infrastructure, and professional training. They warn that revenue-driven policing risks undermining public trust and the effectiveness of traffic law enforcement.
