Obtaining licence becomes bane of Multan motorists

Citizens irked as the process has become increasingly difficult

MULTAN:  

Obtaining a driving licence has become the bane of the existence of people in Multan, Express News has learnt.

The licence office does not have a proper road or track for the driving test and also fails to provide clean drinking or proper seating for applicants. In view of the situation, the number of people visiting the branch has decreased as issues continue to go unaddressed.

Many who visit the licence office complain that inadequate facilities have created problems for individuals who travel from far-flung areas.

Statistics show that the traffic police licence branch issued 15,254 driving licenses during 2017, but this number dwindled to just 7, 554, thus far, in 2018. The traffic police, meanwhile, generated Rs29,300,000 last year. This year, the revenue has decreased to Rs18,700,000.

The number of registered vehicles stands at 1,375,000 in Multan, out of which there are 100,000 motorcycles. The city traffic police issued 15,254 driving licenses last year and these included 4,167 motorcycle licences and 6, 374 licences for cars and jeeps. Further, 470 licences were issued to rickshaw drivers.

Meanwhile, people stated that traffic police have made the process of obtaining a licence unnecessarily difficult.  The driving test is taken on uneven ground near Daulat Gate located close to Fish Market. The majority appearing in the driving test have to face an ordeal, while those with “recommendations” are able to get licences easily.

Those applying for motorcycle licences have to sit for a written test. The people of Multan demanded that authorities simplify the process to facilitate the masses.

They said that all the tests should be conducted on the Police Lines Ground so that the people can avoid difficulties.

In recent days, individuals have thronged the licence branch as the traffic police have initiated a campaign against those violating rules and driving without them.