ISLAMABAD:The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has reported a 500 percent increase in driving license and learner permit applications over the past week, signaling a significant public response to recent police reforms.
This surge, which began on September 23, 2025, has led to long queues at traffic offices, facilitation centers, and mobile service vans throughout the capital.
Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Captain (r) Hamza Humayun described the public’s response as a ‘powerful vote of confidence’ in the ITP’s commitment to service excellence. “This surge is not merely a numerical increase rather it reflects how citizens are embracing their rights and responsibilities on the road,” Hamza stated.
He emphasized the ITP’s goal to ensure that every applicant experiences a process marked by fairness, transparency, and dignity. To manage the overwhelming demand, the ITP has expanded its operational capacity by opening additional counters, deploying staff in shifts, and offering weekend services. Mobile service vans have also been dispatched to suburban areas to assist residents who are unable to travel to central offices.
The CTO reminded the public that the final deadline for obtaining a license is October 7, 2025. He cautioned that after this date, the enforcement of traffic rules will become significantly stricter. “We urge all applicants to complete the process early to avoid last-minute delays,” he said.
In a move to streamline the process, the ITP has introduced the E-Learner App, which allows citizens to apply for learner permits online from home. Physical services are also available at multiple locations, including the Faizabad headquarters, the F-6 facilitation center, 13 police stations, and various mobile van stops.
Islamabad’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi praised the initiative, calling it a testament to good governance and institutional trust. “The citizens’ overwhelming participation is a tribute to their faith in the Islamabad Police and a call to sustain excellence in every service we provide,” Rizvi said, adding that the force would continue to build systems rooted in efficiency and accountability.
The IGP has directed police leadership to closely monitor the process to prevent any eligible individual from being denied a license due to procedural bottlenecks. According to ITP officials, the increase in demand reflects a deeper societal shift. They believe the public is increasingly recognizing that possessing a valid license is not just a legal requirement but a demonstration of civic responsibility.
The ITP anticipates that this trend will lead to safer roads, more disciplined driving, and a stronger culture of compliance. CTO Hamza underscored that the initiative is about more than just issuing licenses. “It is about instilling pride in lawful conduct and embedding road safety into our everyday civic life,” he concluded.
