Punjab Government Pushes for E-Challan Verification in Used Vehicle Purchases

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The Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) has issued a public notice emphasizing the importance of verifying electronic challans (e-challans) before purchasing used vehicles across Punjab province, particularly in Lahore. This article delves into the PSCA’s initiative to enhance transparency in vehicle transactions, the risks of neglecting e-challan checks, and the broader implications for road safety and accountability, urging buyers to exercise due diligence to avoid legal and financial pitfalls.

The PSCA, established under the Punjab Safe Cities Ordinance 2015, oversees the Integrated Command, Control, and Communication (PPIC3) system to bolster public safety through advanced technology. Its latest directive addresses a critical issue in Punjab’s bustling used vehicle market, where buyers often overlook unpaid e-challans tied to vehicles. These digital fines, issued for traffic violations like speeding or running red lights, are recorded using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras across cities like Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi. Failure to clear these fines can lead to vehicle blacklisting or seizure, as noted by PSCA spokesperson Muhammad Ahsan Younas in a recent statement. Buyers can verify e-challans by visiting echallan.psca.gop.pk and entering the vehicle’s registration number and the owner’s Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) number, ensuring a clean record before finalizing purchases.

This initiative underscores the PSCA’s commitment to modernizing traffic management and curbing lawlessness on Punjab’s roads. With over 10,000 surveillance cameras planned for 18 cities, including Gujranwala and Faisalabad, the e-challan system reduces human error and promotes compliance. However, the onus is on citizens to stay proactive. As Additional Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Amir Malik stated in a 2018 PakWheels interview, “The system detects violators automatically, cross-checks with excise data, and dispatches fines to registered addresses.” Neglecting e-challan verification risks unexpected fines or legal complications, particularly if a vehicle is linked to prior criminal activity.

Buyers must act responsibly to avoid inheriting someone else’s penalties. The PSCA’s user-friendly portal and the e-Pay Punjab app simplify checking and settling fines, aligning with the province’s Digital Punjab vision. By prioritizing e-challan verification, Punjab’s residents can ensure safer roads and uphold the rule of law, reinforcing accountability in an era of rising traffic violations.