Public initiative: Gilgit launches first driving institute

Of the 28 enlisted in the programme, 23 are women.

GILGIT: A driving school set up by Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) police will soon start lessons for residents of Gilgit, becoming the first public institute in the region to offer such a service.

“The registration process has been completed and classes will be held soon,” said police spokesperson Mubarak Jan on Wednesday. “The good thing is that women have outnumbered men in seeking admission.”



Of the 28 enlisted for driving lessons, 23 are women from Gilgit who will undergo the 21-day training session.

According to Jan, those signed up will be taught theory lessons on traffic laws in addition to hands-on training.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Tahira Yasub has been tasked to supervise the course and will also perform duties as a lecturer. Though participants would be awarded letters of recommendation on completing the course to help them obtain their driving licences, the issuance of a license will be subject to the clearance test administered by relevant authorities.

A similar driver’s education training course has also been launched in Skardu, and police is planning to introduce it throughout G-B, including Diamer valley.



G-B Inspector General of Police Mohammad Saleem Bhatti has expressed keen interest in the programme to raise awareness about driving and traffic regulations.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 26^th, 2013.