LAHORE: The Punjab Traffic Police issued more than 2.96 million motorcycle licences in one year, marking a record achievement, a spokesperson said.
For the first time in the country’s history, such a large-scale facility was offered to motorcyclists. Of the total, over 2.945 million men, 14,000 women, and more than 100 transgender persons obtained regular licences.
DIG Traffic Punjab Muhammad Waqas Nazir said the one-day licensing system — allowing applicants to get both learning and regular motorcycle licences on the same day — would continue across the province.
“It is encouraging that more than 2.9 million riders are now driving with licences,” Nazir said. He added that the initiative would help reduce accidents and create new employment opportunities. He also urged motorcyclists to obtain licences and “drive with dignity.”
However, despite the record number of licences issued, road accidents in Punjab have gone up.
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According to Rescue 1122, the province saw a 16% rise in emergencies in January 2025 compared to the same month last year. Punjab reported 196,963 emergencies in January 2025, up from 169,625 in January 2024.
The sharpest increase was in road crashes, with 38,791 cases reported — a 29% jump from 30,063 the previous year. Fire incidents rose by 37%, reaching 2,356 cases compared to 1,716 in January 2024.
Medical emergencies increased by 12%, with 135,191 cases compared to 120,363 last year. Crime-related emergencies also rose by 23%, reaching 3,132 cases, while electric shock incidents grew by 21%, with 400 cases reported. Animal rescues went up by 15%, with 722 cases compared to 627 in the same month last year.
The rising numbers have raised questions about road safety and the effectiveness of traffic enforcement, despite claims by the City Traffic Police Lahore about better traffic management.
