A major development has been reported for citizens seeking driving licences in Punjab, with more than 442,000 licences issued across the province during the last three weeks.
According to traffic police officials, measures are being taken on the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to make the licensing process easier and more accessible for citizens. The availability of online driving licence services has also helped reduce difficulties faced by applicants.
Traffic police officials said that during the three-week period, more than 149,000 citizens obtained learner licences, while over 143,000 regular driving licences were issued.
During the same period, around 146,000 citizens obtained learner, regular and international driving licences. More than 1,000 applicants were also issued duplicate licences after reporting their original licences as lost, while over 3,000 citizens received international driving permits.
Officials said that more than 73,000 citizens used online driving licence services, allowing applicants to access licensing facilities more conveniently and reducing the need for repeated visits to government offices.
DIG Traffic Punjab Muhammad Waqas Nazir said driving a vehicle without a valid licence is an offence. However, he added that the traffic police's objective is not limited to enforcement and fines, but also includes helping citizens obtain licences through legal procedures and creating awareness about licensing requirements.
Authorities said further modern facilities are being introduced to make the licensing system faster, easier and more citizen-friendly, with the aim of reducing unnecessary waiting times and visits to offices.
