Islamabad: (Parliament Times) National Highways and Motorway Police (NH&MP) has introduced a fool proof mechanism as per international standards and best practices for issuance of driving license in June 2014 by establishing Drivers Licensing Authority in Islamabad. The project was initiated in Islamabad however the same will expand to other mega cities of Pakistan. Approximately 40,000 learners’ driving permits have been issued since its inception whereas only 17000 candidates have been issued driving licenses so far.
Considering the requirements of modern era, this DLA is conducting reverse driving test of all categories of vehicles in theme park, including different shapes, parallel parking, garage parking, straight reverse etc. The candidate who qualifies theme park test has to appear in on road driving test during which the candidate has to drive his vehicle for approximately 15 kms on road. These activities/tests assist in assessment of driving abilities and competency of the candidate. All Pakistani citizens are entertained for issuance of driving licences regardless of their cities and provinces of residence. In the recent past, considering the best interest of public, efforts and personal interest of IGP, Syed Kaleem Imam has resulted in issuing International Driving Permits from DLA, NH&MP which has earned appreciation on both national and international forums. The staff posted at DLA, NH&MP works strictly on merit and issues driving licences to only qualified candidates because of which the officers of DLA have been respected both national wide as well as on international level. In addition to the huge numbers of male candidates which are willing to process their driving licences, a considerable number of female candidates are also showing keen interest in obtaining driving licences from DLA. The Road Safety Awareness Unit established at DLA is continuously commencing Road Safety Activities including Walks, Lectures, Briefing, Distribution of informatory pamphlets and broachers, Seminars at different Public as well as Private sector organizations, educational institutions, schools, colleges, universities, religious educational institutes, bus stands, toll plazas etc. on regular basis in order to curb and control the tendency of traffic violations, take stern steps for reducing the number of accidents and fatalities, promote a culture and spread the message of road safety and bringing the attitudinal change required to make the carriageways safer for commuting. The representatives of civil societies and media have appreciated this effort of NH&MP as any person who possesses abilities to drive can obtain his driving licence only on the basis of his talent on merit without external factors and recommendations.
