The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday disposed of a petition concerning arrests over driving without a license, issuing clear directions to law enforcement officials on how to handle such cases.
Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar, who heard the case, instructed that no immediate FIR should be registered against citizens found driving without a license. Instead, he said, a fine should be imposed first for failing to produce a driving license.
The Chief Justice remarked that it is well established that a criminal case can only be registered for negligent or reckless driving, not merely for lacking a license. However, he noted that in the event of an accident, driving without a license could lead to serious charges, such as Section 302 (murder) if negligence is proven.
During the hearing, the Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) informed the court that new security features had been added to prevent tampering in licenses and confirmed that no FIRs were being registered against citizens solely for not possessing a license.
The court also observed that digital verification has become easier with the NADRA mobile application, which allows instant authentication of identity cards and other documents. The CTO said efforts were underway to digitally link driving licenses with NADRA for real-time verification.
The Chief Justice cautioned that registering criminal cases against citizens for minor offenses could create a permanent stigma in their criminal records. He directed that first-time offenders should only face fines, while repeat violations may warrant stricter legal action.
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IT REALLY SHOWS COURTS KEP THEIR HAND ON THE PULSE OF COMMON PEOPLE OF PAKISTAN.
THESE KIND OF VERDICTS ARE SIGH OF RELIEF AND WILL KEEP IN CHECK A STATE TO BECOME CRUEL OR A TYRANT.WE AS A PAKISTANI CITIZENS MUST BACK OUR COURTS FOR .
It’s simple, do not break the law and you won’t get into trouble.
In the present era of public mistrust in our judicial system, the judgement shows a light at the end of tunnel. Hopefully through such judgements the judiciary will be able to restore it’s lost image. Well done I H C.
ITP either doesn’t do its job or becomes unnecessary unreasonable. These people are extremist.
Investigation officers take months to verify a licence (its another opportunity for them to cash money, those who know, know)
run by clowns pakistani law enforcement failed logic spans several decades of brain rot, IHC has given the right verdict as is being followed universally.
Mai LTV license renewal kana Chata ho Lahore ka bana hua hai 2012 se expired hai
Juge is 100 % right it’s not criminal offence.
No
Great decision!
All vehicle registrations, driving and weapon licences be entered in NADRA. And, be viewed through a mobile App. Police powers to arrest, impound vehicles and e-challan will be curtailed to the ease and help of all citizens!
Once again my commendation to the Honorable Judge!!!
The KPK Traffic police is not renewing Drivers license whose ID card number starts from 37405 for last 6 months. I obtained my LTV driving License from KPK Traffic police which was expired on 8/October/2025.I personally went to Swat KPK license office for renewal of LTV license and they refused. Said your ID card Number belongs to Islamabad. I have a flat in Islamabad and my permanent address is in swat district KPK.
Driving without licence is not something limited to roads only! Our National air carrier was black listed for over 5 years from Europe, for flying aircrafts by fake licenced piolets
The EU authorities did that because of the illiterate Aviation Minister in PTI govt Ghulam Sarwar Khan who recklessly stated in Parliament that PIA pilots had fake licenses although only a couple of pilots were found doing so. The Minister’s statement cast a shadow on the licences of all PIA pilots prompting the EU action.
Good thing
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