Over 23,000 vehicles blacklisted, wanted in Karachi

KARACHI: Over 23,000 vehicles in Karachi have been blacklisted by traffic authorities for number plate tampering and other violations, making them wanted by the police.

Traffic police and Excise Department data show that out of more than seven million registered vehicles in the city, nearly 54% are two-wheelers.

On October 27, 2025, the traffic police launched a faceless e-challan system on selected roads, using cameras to monitor violations. Since its introduction, more than 300,000 vehicles have received tickets for offences such as over-speeding, riding without helmets, and failing to wear seat belts.

During this period, 23,319 vehicles and motorcycles were blacklisted due to repeated violations, with owners failing to pay fines despite challans being issued. Among these, 19,200 vehicles were classified as ‘sold but not transferred’ (SBNT), meaning they had been sold but the ownership had not been officially updated, resulting in fines still being recorded in the name of the previous owners.