Rawalpindi Issued Record Number of Driving Licenses. In a major boost for public service delivery, Rawalpindi recorded its highest-ever number of driving licenses issued in a single year. According to the official annual report, the Rawalpindi City Traffic Police provided licensing services to 1,386,887 residents during 2025, setting a new benchmark for efficiency and accessibility in the district.
The record-breaking performance highlights how improved systems, expanded facilities, and service-focused reforms transformed the driving license process for citizens across Rawalpindi.
Record-Breaking Licensing Performance in 2025
The annual report shows that Rawalpindi’s traffic police handled an unprecedented volume of applications throughout 2025. Residents from urban and rural areas benefited from faster processing times and improved access to licensing services.
Key achievements include:
- 1.38 million residents served in one year
- Hundreds of thousands of licenses issued
- Expanded licensing centers across the district
- Strong growth in first-time driver registrations
This scale of service delivery reflects growing public trust in the licensing system and a rising number of new drivers in the region.
Expansion of Licensing Facilities Across Rawalpindi
One of the main reasons behind the record numbers was the expansion of licensing facilities across Rawalpindi district. The traffic police increased the number of operational centers and optimized workflows to reduce congestion.
These improvements allowed applicants to:
- Apply closer to their homes
- Avoid long queues at central offices
- Complete biometric verification more smoothly
- Receive licenses within shorter timelines
For many residents, this meant fewer visits, lower travel costs, and less time off work.
Leadership and Service-Focused Reforms
Officials credited the strong performance to service-oriented measures introduced under the supervision of Farhan Aslam, who leads the city’s traffic police.
Under his leadership, the department emphasized:
- Citizen-friendly service delivery
- Transparency in application processing
- Digital record management
- Staff accountability and monitoring
These reforms helped modernize the licensing process and improve public satisfaction.
Surge in Learner Permits Shows Growing Demand
During 2025, Rawalpindi issued more than 434,000 learner permits, reflecting strong demand from first-time drivers. This surge indicates:
- Increased vehicle ownership
- Greater awareness of legal driving requirements
- Improved confidence in the licensing process
Learner permits are often the first step toward responsible driving, and the high number suggests that more citizens are choosing legal and structured pathways to obtain licenses.
Highest Number of New Driving Licenses Ever Issued
The department also issued 244,825 new driving licenses, marking the highest annual figure on record for Rawalpindi.
This milestone demonstrates:
- Efficient handling of tests and documentation
- Reduced processing delays
- Better coordination between testing and issuance units
For applicants, this translated into quicker approvals and fewer repeat visits.
International Driving Licenses for Overseas Travel
In addition to local licenses, the Rawalpindi traffic police issued 3,932 international driving licenses in 2025. These licenses allow residents to legally drive abroad in countries that recognize Pakistani driving credentials.
International licenses are especially important for:
- Overseas workers
- Students studying abroad
- Business travelers
- Tourists renting vehicles overseas
The steady demand shows Rawalpindi’s growing global mobility and workforce movement.
Impact on Road Safety and Legal Compliance
The record issuance of licenses is not just an administrative success. It also plays a vital role in road safety and legal compliance.
More licensed drivers mean:
- Better awareness of traffic laws
- Reduced number of unlicensed drivers
- Improved accountability on the roads
- Stronger enforcement of traffic regulations
Over time, this contributes to safer roads and more disciplined driving behavior.
Improved Public Trust in Traffic Police Services
The scale and efficiency of licensing services in 2025 helped rebuild public confidence in traffic police operations. Residents reported:
- More organized centers
- Professional staff behavior
- Clear instructions and guidance
- Faster complaint resolution
This shift is significant in a city as large and busy as Rawalpindi, where service delays were once a common complaint.
Digital Systems and Process Optimization
Behind the scenes, the traffic police improved internal systems to manage high application volumes. These efforts included:
- Better data management
- Streamlined biometric verification
- Improved coordination between testing and issuance desks
- Reduced paperwork through digital records
Such optimizations allowed staff to handle more applications without compromising accuracy.
Economic and Social Benefits
The licensing drive also brought broader benefits:
- Easier access to jobs requiring driving licenses
- Support for ride-hailing and delivery services
- Reduced dependence on agents and middlemen
- Time and cost savings for citizens
For many young drivers, obtaining a license opened new employment opportunities.
Challenges Faced During High Demand
Despite the success, officials acknowledged challenges during peak periods, including:
- Overcrowding at certain centers
- Increased pressure on staff
- System slowdowns during high traffic days
However, proactive planning and extended service hours helped manage these pressures effectively.
Future Plans for Licensing Services in Rawalpindi
Building on the 2025 success, the Rawalpindi City Traffic Police plans to:
- Further expand licensing centers
- Improve online appointment systems
- Enhance staff training
- Introduce more digital features
These steps aim to keep pace with the city’s growing population and rising vehicle ownership.
Why 2025 Was a Landmark Year for Rawalpindi
The year 2025 stands out as a turning point for licensing services in Rawalpindi. The combination of leadership, infrastructure expansion, and public-focused reforms created a system capable of serving over a million residents efficiently.
This achievement sets a strong foundation for future improvements and positions Rawalpindi as a leading example for other districts in Punjab.
Conclusion
Rawalpindi’s record number of driving licenses issued in 2025 reflects a major improvement in public service delivery. By serving 1.38 million residents, issuing hundreds of thousands of licenses, and expanding access across the district, the city’s traffic police demonstrated what focused reforms and efficient management can achieve.
