Islamabad:
Thousands of residents in Islamabad have rushed to obtain driving licenses after the police announced strict sanctions for trapped driving without one, which led the authorities to extend the deadline for compliance.
To administer the influx, the Islamabad Traffic Police announced that driver’s license services would now operate all day. Eleven facilitation centers have been established throughout the city to relieve pressure on traffic offices, while mobile trucks are also being implemented to process licenses in different areas.
The active centers include the Faizabad Traffic Office, the F-6 Facilitation Center, Sawan Garden, Gulberg Green, H-11 Sector, Bani Gala, G-11 DC Office sector and G-14 sector. Additional desks have been established at the Khanna Police Station, the diplomatic enclave and the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce.
Read more: Drivers without a license to face jail, vehicle seizure
In response to the increase, Islamabad IGP Ali Nasir Rizvi extended the deadline until October 7, 2025. “In the strong appeals of citizens and, due to their convenience, the deadline has extended,” Rizvi told journalists.
“Residents must obtain their licenses before October 7. From October 8 onwards, measures will be taken against those found without one.”
The PPE had previously announced that as of October 1, anyone who drives a car or motorcycle without a valid license would face criminal charges, arrest together with their vehicle and no bail option. The warning caused long lines in the traffic offices throughout the capital.
“After the announcement of the IG, driver’s licenses requests increased by 390 percent,” said SSP Traffic Hamza Humayun. While many residents welcomed the impulse of compliance, complaints were raised about high license rates. Citizens urged authorities to reduce the cost of applications.
