The Punjab Provincial Transport Authority (PPTA) has decided to launch a crackdown against private vehicles without valid fitness certificates from October 15, citing concerns over the limited number of fitness inspection centres across the province.
In view of the large number of vehicles awaiting certification, the authority has also issued new instructions to 20 Private Vehicle Inspection and Certification System (PVICS) centres operating across Punjab.
According to an advisory issued by the Punjab Provincial Transport Authority, all 20 PVICS centres have been directed to remain operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The centres have also been instructed to ensure that services remain available on Sundays to facilitate vehicle owners seeking fitness certification.
The authority has further directed the centres to maintain an adequate stock of stickers required after vehicles successfully complete the fitness inspection process.
The measure is aimed at preventing delays in the certification process as authorities prepare to take action against vehicles without the required fitness certificates.
The advisory warned that failure to comply with the new instructions would be considered a violation of the terms and conditions of the centres’ licences. Authorities said administrative action could be taken against non-compliant centres, including cancellation of their licences.
According to officials, around 2.3 million private vehicles are registered in Punjab and require fitness certification.
However, only 20 PVICS centres are currently operating across the province to cater to this large number of vehicles.
Of these, 14 centres are located in Lahore, while Faisalabad has two. Sargodha, Multan, Sadiqabad and Rahim Yar Khan each have one PVICS centre.
The authorities’ decision comes ahead of the October 15 deadline, after which vehicles without valid fitness certificates are expected to face enforcement action.