LAHORE: A massive crackdown on unlicensed drivers across Punjab has triggered a historic surge in licensing applications, fundamentally altering the province’s approach to road safety and traffic management. According to the traffic police spokesperson, the first ten days of this month alone saw the issuance of more than 196,000 driving licenses, a figure that underscores the immediate impact of strict enforcement measures.
This dramatic increase is not merely a statistical anomaly but a direct response to the intensified legal pressure placed on motorists who previously operated without proper authorization, signaling a new era where compliance is no longer optional but a critical necessity for all road users.
The breakdown of these figures reveals a comprehensive engagement from the public, with over 68,000 citizens securing new learning licenses and an equal number obtaining regular driving licenses during this brief period.
The data further highlights a robust effort to maintain valid documentation, as more than 57,000 individuals renewed their learning, regular, and international licenses to avoid penalties.
Beyond new issuances, the traffic police facilitated the re-issuance of over 450 lost licenses and processed more than 850 applications for international driving permits, demonstrating the system’s capacity to handle diverse citizen needs. Furthermore, the digital transformation of these services is gaining traction, with over 37,000 citizens benefiting from online licensing facilities, which has streamlined the process and reduced the burden on physical service centers.
DIG Traffic Punjab, Muhammad Waqas Nazir, emphasized that driving without a license is unequivocally a crime, noting that the current strict crackdown involves heavy fines and legal action against violators. He observed that this rigorous enforcement, coupled with a concerted effort to increase the number of trained and licensed drivers, has already contributed to a noticeable reduction in traffic accidents across the province.
The police force is simultaneously running awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the vital utility of holding a valid license, aiming to shift the cultural mindset from viewing it as a bureaucratic hurdle to recognizing it as a cornerstone of public safety.
To ensure the longevity and accessibility of these efforts, DIG Nazir directed all citizens to download their e-Driving License immediately upon obtaining their physical card, stressing that the digital version holds the same legal weight as the traditional card-based license.
He also encouraged the public to utilize the full spectrum of available resources, including service centers, licensing centers, and online portals, to obtain or renew their documentation efficiently. This holistic strategy, combining strict enforcement with modernized service delivery, aims to create a safer, more orderly traffic environment where every driver is accountable and properly credentialed.
