Islamabad drivers race against time as licence deadline looms

Thousands of residents in Islamabad have rushed to obtain driving licences after police announced strict penalties for those caught driving without one, prompting authorities to extend the compliance deadline.

To manage the influx, Islamabad Traffic Police announced that driving licence services would now operate round the clock. Eleven facilitation centres have been set up across the city to ease pressure on traffic offices, while mobile vans are also being deployed to process licences in different areas.

Active centres include Faizabad Traffic Office, F-6 Facilitation Centre, Sawan Garden, Gulberg Green, Sector H-11, Bani Gala, Sector G-11 DC Office, and Sector G-14. Additional desks have been established at Khanna Police Station, Diplomatic Enclave, and Islamabad Chamber of Commerce.

Read More: Unlicensed drivers to face jail, seizure of vehicle

In response to the surge, Islamabad IGP Ali Nasir Rizvi extended the deadline until October 7, 2025. “On citizens’ strong appeals and for their convenience, the deadline has been extended,” Rizvi told reporters.

“Residents must obtain their licences by October 7. From October 8 onwards, action will be taken against those found driving without one.”

The IGP had earlier announced that from October 1, anyone driving a car or motorcycle without a valid licence would face criminal charges, detention along with their vehicle, and no option for bail. The warning triggered long queues at traffic offices across the capital.

“Following the IG’s announcement, applications for driving licences increased by 390 per cent,” said SSP Traffic Hamza Humayun. While many residents welcomed the enforcement drive, complaints were raised about high licence fees. Citizens urged the authorities to reduce the cost of applications.