Islamabad:
Thousands of residents of Islamabad have rushed to get a driver’s license after police announced strict sanctions for those trapped without one, causing the authorities to extend the deadline.
To manage the influx, Islamabad traffic police announced that driver’s license services would now work around the clock. Eleven facility centers have been created all over the city to facilitate the pressure on traffic offices, while mobile vans are also deployed to treat licenses in different areas.
Active centers include Faizabad Traffic Office, F-6 Facilitation Center, Sawan Garden, Gulberg Green, Sector H-11, Bani Gala, Sector G-11 DC Office and Sector G-14. Additional desks have been created at Khanna Police Station, Diplomatic Enclave and Islamabad Chamber of Commerce.
Read more: Unlicensed drivers to jail, seizure of vehicle
In response to the wave, Islamabad Igp Ali Nasir Rizvi extended the deadline until October 7, 2025. “On the strong appeals of the citizens and for their convenience, the deadline has been extended,” Rizvi told journalists.
“Residents will have their licenses before October 7. From October 8, and in the future, action will be taken against those who have been found without one.”
IGP had previously announced that from October 1, anyone who was driving a car or a motorcycle without a valid license would be exposed to criminal charges, detention along with their vehicle and no option of bail. The warning triggered long queues at traffic offices throughout the capital.
“After IG’s announcement, applications for driver’s license rose by 390 percent,” said SSP traffic Hamza Humayun. While many residents welcomed the enforcement drive, complaints were collected for high license fees. Citizens urged authorities to reduce the cost of applications.
