Deadline Announced for License Compliance
Islamabad — The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) have issued a strict directive requiring all drivers to obtain a valid driving license by October 1, 2025. Authorities warned that those found driving without a license after the deadline will face legal consequences, including arrest and vehicle impoundment.
Chief Traffic Officer Captain (Retd.) Hamza Humayun stated that enforcement will be impartial and rigorous. “No individual will be granted exemption,” he said, stressing that the campaign aims to promote safer roads and responsible driving practices in the capital.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Police officials made clear that violators will be dealt with under the law. Offenders risk not only heavy fines but also the registration of criminal cases against them. In serious instances, arrests will be carried out, and vehicles will be seized on the spot.
This uncompromising approach reflects growing concerns over road safety in Islamabad. According to government data, Pakistan records over 30,000 road accidents annually, many linked to untrained or unlicensed drivers. The capital, despite its relatively smaller population compared to other major cities, has seen a steady rise in traffic violations in recent years.
Facilities for License Issuance
To make compliance easier, the ITP has set up multiple avenues for citizens to apply for driving licenses. These include:
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The Faizabad Traffic Office
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The F-6 Facilitation Center
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A network of mobile traffic facilitation vans
Officials say these measures are intended to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and allow citizens to obtain licenses without unnecessary delays. Long queues have often discouraged drivers from applying in the past, but the new arrangements are designed to streamline the process.
Original License Required
The traffic police have also instructed citizens to carry the physical copy of their license at all times. Digital versions stored on mobile phones or presented as scanned images will not be accepted during roadside checks.
Authorities argue that the insistence on physical copies ensures authenticity and prevents misuse of forged or altered documents.
Safety as a Shared Responsibility
Speaking to media, Chief Traffic Officer Hamza Humayun urged residents to view compliance as a civic duty rather than a burden. “Driving without a license is not just a violation of law; it puts both your own life and the lives of others at risk,” he said.
He appealed to the public to demonstrate responsibility as citizens of a “disciplined and civilized nation” by securing valid licenses before the deadline.
Broader Context: Road Safety Challenges in Pakistan
The crackdown comes amid growing concerns about Pakistan’s traffic management. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 27,000 people die annually in road crashes across Pakistan, making road accidents one of the country’s leading causes of unintentional deaths.
Experts argue that stricter enforcement of licensing rules could play a vital role in addressing this crisis. Unlicensed drivers often lack formal training in traffic rules, making them more likely to cause accidents.
Neighboring countries, including India and Bangladesh, have also launched similar campaigns in recent years, combining stricter penalties with more accessible licensing services. Islamabad’s move is seen as part of a wider regional trend toward road safety reforms.
A Test for Compliance and Enforcement
The new directive poses both an opportunity and a challenge for Islamabad’s traffic authorities. If widely implemented, it could reduce accidents and improve discipline on the roads. However, the success of the campaign will depend on whether citizens comply voluntarily — and whether the police enforce the rules fairly and consistently.
For now, the message is clear: residents have until October 1, 2025, to secure a valid license — or face the consequences.
