Wrong E-Challan in Pakistan: How to Verify, Report & Resolve

Receiving a wrong e-challan is not just frustrating—it can become financially and legally stressful if not handled correctly. Across major Pakistani cities such as Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Multan, and Peshawar, thousands of vehicle owners face incorrect fines due to number plate cloning, data errors, camera misreads, or outdated registration records.

This extensive guide provides everything needed to verify, dispute, correct, and resolve false e-challans under Safe City projects and Excise departments. With a strong and expanding digital traffic enforcement system, understanding your rights and the proper procedure is essential.

What Is a Wrong E-Challan?

A wrong e-challan refers to a digitally issued traffic fine that appears in your record despite your vehicle not being involved in any violation. The error commonly occurs when someone else uses a duplicate number plate or when authorities misread your registration due to technical or human error.

These challans appear on:

• Safe City portals
• MTMIS online verification systems
• Courier-delivered notices
• Traffic Police apps

Because the challan is automatically attached to the registered vehicle owner, it becomes your responsibility to dispute and resolve it promptly.

Why Wrong E-Challans Happen: Full Breakdown

1. Cloned or Duplicate Number Plates

The top cause of wrong e-challans in Pakistan is number plate cloning. Criminals often copy a legitimate plate and install it on another vehicle—commonly used in:

• Traffic violations
• Fuel theft
• Crimes involving getaway vehicles
• Toll and parking bypassing

When Safe City cameras capture the cloned vehicle during a violation, the challan is sent to the original owner’s record.

2. Blurred, Dark, or Low-Quality Camera Footage

Automated cameras sometimes misinterpret registration numbers due to:

• Low visibility
• Harsh sunlight
• Dirty number plates
• High vehicle speed
• Rain, fog, or night-time glare

This leads to incorrect character recognition, resulting in challans issued to innocent owners.

3. Errors in Registration Records

Outdated or incorrect Excise data often triggers false challans, especially when:

• A sold vehicle is not transferred to the buyer’s name
• Old MTMIS records contain inaccurate alphanumeric details
• The Excise system mismatches plate types

Until the records are corrected, such errors may repeatedly generate wrong e-challans.

4. Illegal or Handmade Number Plates

Local workshops often create custom or handmade plates that:

• Do not match official font standards
• Are identical to existing numbers
• Are illegally produced for concealment

These unregulated plates are major contributors to plate duplication issues.

5. Software Misreads in ANPR Cameras

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems sometimes mistake:

• “0” for “D”
• “8” for “B”
• “5” for “S”
• “C” for “G”

Such misreads result in genuine vehicle owners receiving wrongful notices.

How to Check & Verify a Wrong E-Challan in Pakistan

Before filing complaints or visiting offices, verification is the first step. Each province offers online portals for challan checking.

1. MTMIS Punjab (Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, Faisalabad)

Website: https://mtmis.excise.punjab.gov.pk/

2. MTMIS Sindh (Karachi, Hyderabad)

Website: https://www.excise.gos.pk/

3. Islamabad E-Challan Verification

Website: https://islamabadtrafficpolice.gov.pk/

4. KPK MTMIS (Peshawar, Abbottabad)

Website: https://www.kpexcise.gov.pk/

After verification, if the challan does not belong to your vehicle, proceed with the dispute process.

How to Identify a Wrong or Fake E-Challan

Use these indicators:

• The vehicle in the footage is different in color, model, or make
• The location of the violation is somewhere you did not visit
• The date/time does not match your travel history
• The plate style in the footage does not match your number plate
• Your plate has scratches, dents, or font type differences compared to the video footage

If any mismatch appears, you must file for correction immediately.

How to Resolve a Wrong E-Challan in Lahore (PSCA System)

Lahore operates under the advanced Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) integrated with ANPR cameras.

Step-by-Step Correction Process

1. Gather Required Documents

Carry:

• CNIC
• Original vehicle registration book/card
• Printed wrong e-challan notice
• Clear photos of your vehicle (front & rear plates)
• Optional: Video proof of your vehicle at a different location at the violation time

2. Visit the PSCA Headquarters

Location: Qurban Lines, Lahore
Timings: Monday to Friday (9 AM – 5 PM)

Demand “Violation Footage Verification” at the counter.

3. Footage Review

PSCA officers will review the violation footage. If:

• Vehicle does not match → challan cancelled
• Plate is cloned → challan cancelled + clone report filed
• System misread → challan re-corrected in database

You will receive an official confirmation of cancellation.

4. Traffic Police & Excise Updates

After approval, the change reflects in:

• MTMIS Punjab
• Traffic police app
• E-challan payment portals

PSCA & Traffic Police Contacts

Department	Contact
PSCA Helpline	15 or 042-99051606
CTPL Lahore	042-99204619-20
Excise Punjab Helpline	0800-08786
CTPL Email	dig.traffic@punjabpolice.gov.pk

How to Resolve a Wrong E-Challan in Karachi (Sindh Police Safe City)

Karachi’s Safe City e-challan network is managed by Sindh Police using high-definition cameras installed across major intersections.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Correction

1. Collect Required Documents

Bring:

• CNIC
• Registration book/card
• Wrong challan print
• Photos of your vehicle showing plates clearly

2. Visit the Nearest Traffic Police Station

You will be directed to the Traffic Police Headquarters, where footage verification is done.

3. Request Footage Review

If the number plate is cloned, officers cancel the challan immediately and update your digital record.

4. File a Fraud/Cloning Complaint (If Required)

If the violation is confirmed to be a cloned plate, proceed to file an FIR.

Sindh Traffic Police Contacts

Department	Contact
Traffic Police Helpline	1715 or 021-9216355
Karachi Traffic HQ	021-99256547
Sindh Traffic Email	trafficpolicekhi@gmail.com
Excise Sindh Helpline	021-99231410

How to Resolve Wrong E-Challans in Islamabad

Islamabad’s traffic management system uses a hybrid of Safe City cameras and manual challan issuance.

Correction Steps

1. Visit Islamabad Traffic Police HQ in F-8.
2. Request a live review of violation footage.
3. Provide vehicle pictures and challan copy.
4. If plate mismatch is found, the challan is cancelled.

For cloned plates, an FIR is mandatory.

Helpline: 1915 (ITP Helpline)

How to Resolve Wrong E-Challans in KPK (Peshawar)

KPK Excise and Traffic Police allow verification through MTMIS KPK.

Steps include:

• Visiting Traffic Police HQ
• Requesting ANPR footage verification
• Providing vehicle documentation
• Filing a cloning complaint if footage proves duplication

Helpline: 1915 (KPK Traffic Police)

What to Do If Number Plate Cloning Is Confirmed

If authorities verify that your number plate has been cloned, take the following actions immediately.

1. File an FIR

Visit your nearest police station and file an FIR under:

• Forgery
• Fraud
• Misrepresentation
• Criminal impersonation

The FIR protects you legally from future violations by the cloned vehicle.

2. Apply for New Official Number Plates

Request new plates from Excise with:

• Special security features
• QR-coded registration
• Reflective printing

3. Keep Multiple Copies of Your FIR and Challan Cancellation

These documents may be needed in future incidents.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Wrong E-Challans in the Future

1. Install High-Quality, Government-Issued Number Plates

Avoid local workshop plates at all costs.

2. Regularly Check E-Challan Status

Set weekly reminders to check:

• MTMIS
• Safe City portals
• Traffic police apps

3. Keep Clean and Visible Plates

Dirty or bent plates can trigger camera errors.

4. Maintain Updated Vehicle Records

Always ensure Excise records reflect accurate:

• Owner name
• Engine/chassis number
• Registration city

5. Report Suspicious Vehicles With Your Number Plate

If a similar plate is spotted, report immediately to:

• Safe City authority
• Traffic police
• Local police station

Official Social Media Pages for Quick Support

Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA)

• X (Twitter): https://x.com/PSCAGOP
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/punjabsafecities/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/punjabsafecities/

Sindh Traffic Police

• X (Twitter): https://x.com/Khitrafficpol
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karachitrafficpoliceofficial/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/policesindh/

Comprehensive FAQ About Wrong E-Challans in Pakistan

1. Can I ignore a wrong e-challan?

No. Unpaid challans lead to:

• Vehicle blockade
• Impoundment
• Increased penalties

Always dispute immediately.

2. How long does cancellation take?

Lahore: 24–72 hours
Karachi: Same day or 48 hours
Islamabad/KPK: 2–5 working days

3. Is footage always available?

Most Safe City cameras store footage for 30–90 days.

4. Can someone use my number plate illegally without me knowing?

Yes. Plate cloning is increasing due to:

• Non-computerized plates
• Workshop plates
• Poor enforcement

Always use official plates.

Final Thoughts

Wrong e-challans are becoming increasingly common across Pakistan due to plate cloning, camera errors, and registration record mismatches. Fortunately, every major city offers a structured system for verification, footage checking, correction, and fraud reporting. Staying proactive by checking challans regularly, maintaining clean and official number plates, and keeping your Excise records updated can protect you from long-term trouble.

Also read: Traffic Fines Punjab: Complete Guide to New Penalties 2025