The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the Islamabad Traffic Police to immediately stop registering FIRs against individuals driving without valid licenses, emphasizing that such actions lack legal basis under the Motor Vehicles Ordinance.
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The directive was issued by Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar during the hearing of a petition challenging the recent crackdown on unlicensed drivers in the federal capital.
Appearing before the court, Islamabad Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Captain (R) Hamza Humayun clarified that no FIRs had been registered so far. He informed the bench that efforts were underway to integrate driving license verification with NADRA’s digital systems to enhance transparency and accountability.
The petition contended that the traffic police’s move to impose deadlines, confiscate vehicles, and arrest unlicensed drivers had no authorization from the federal government and required urgent judicial review. It further argued that the Motor Vehicles Ordinance prescribes monetary penalties, not criminal proceedings, for first-time offenses.
Justice Dogar observed that the registration of FIRs unnecessarily drags citizens into the criminal justice system, leading to stigma and long-term repercussions. He advised the authorities to issue warnings and fines to first-time offenders before pursuing stricter legal measures for repeat violations.
The court also directed that motorists with valid licenses but without physical copies be permitted to present digital or photocopied versions for verification. Justice Dogar noted that NADRA’s mobile app can verify licenses online during roadside checks.
The IHC further clarified that FIRs should only be registered in cases involving reckless or negligent driving that endangers public safety or property.
Concluding the proceedings, the court disposed of the petition while instructing traffic authorities to ensure lawful, transparent, and fair enforcement of regulations across Islamabad.
Earlier, Inspector General Ali Nasir Rizvi had announced a strict enforcement drive starting in October, including possible arrests and vehicle confiscation for unlicensed or repeat offenders.
The court’s ruling provides clear legal guidance for traffic enforcement, promoting balanced policing, digital transparency, and respect for citizens’ rights in the federal capital.
