Punjab issues record 2.96m motorcycle licences in a year

More than 2.96 million regular licences were issued to motorcyclists across Punjab in a year, a spokesperson for the Punjab Traffic Police said on Saturday.

The spokesperson added that, for the first time in the country’s history, such a large-scale facility had been provided to motorcyclists. Of the total, more than 2.945 million men, over 14,000 women, and above 100 transgender persons obtained motorcycle driving licences.

DIG Traffic Punjab Muhammad Waqas Nazir said the facility of acquiring both learning and regular motorcycle licences on the same day, introduced last year, would continue across the province.

“It is encouraging that more than 2.9 million motorcyclists are now driving with licences,” Nazir said. “The issuance of licences will lead to a significant reduction in accidents and is also creating employment opportunities.”

He urged motorcyclists to obtain licences and “drive with dignity.”

Read: Traffic woes worsen as crashes soar by 29%

Earlier this year it was reported that road traffic crashes in Punjab have surged by 29% in January, contradicting claims by the City Traffic Police Lahore (CTPL) about improved traffic management.

According to official data from the Punjab Emergency Services Department (Rescue 1122), the province witnessed a 16.08% overall increase in emergencies last month, raising concerns over public safety and the effectiveness of traffic enforcement measures.

Punjab reported a total of 196,963 emergencies in January 2025, compared to 169,625 cases in January 2024.

The most notable increases were recorded in road traffic crashes, with 38,791 cases reported, up 29% from 30,063 in January 2024. Fire incidents also saw a sharp rise, reaching 2,356 cases, a 37.3% increase from 1,716 last year.

Medical emergencies increased by 12.3%, with 135,191 cases compared to 120,363 the previous year. Crime-related emergencies jumped to 3,132 cases, reflecting a 22.6% increase from 2,555. Additionally, electric shock incidents rose by 21%, with 400 cases reported, while animal rescues reached 722 cases, marking a 15.2% rise from 627 cases in January 2024.