Citizens seeking M-Tags in Islamabad have raised serious concerns over mismanagement and prolonged waiting times at various E-Tag centres across the city, particularly during the holy month of Ramzan.
People, including elderly individuals, have been compelled to stand in long queues for five to six hours under the sun while fasting.
It reported that large crowds gathered outside multiple E-Tag registration centres from early morning, hoping to obtain M-Tags required for motorway travel.
However, due to what they described as poor organisation and limited counters, the process moved at an extremely slow pace.
Most of the citizens viewed that certain individuals were able to obtain E-Tags within minutes and leave, while others continued to wait for hours without explanation. ‘There is no proper system or guidance. We have been standing here since morning while fasting,” said Muhammad Aslam, waiting in line.
The citizens have called on the authorities concerned to take immediate notice of the situation, streamline the process, increase staff at E-Tag centres, and ensure fair treatment for all applicants. They have also urged officials to make special arrangements during Ramadan to facilitate fasting individuals.
Around 800,000 motorcycles in Twin-cities
By rough estimates, there are around 800,000 motorcycles in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Are the authorities expecting to process 100,000 bikes per day? Their system reportedly crashes after issuing just 250 consecutive tags.
Important announcement for motorcycle owners
An important announcement was made for motorcycle owners in the federal capital, stating that it is now mandatory to install an M-Tag on all motorcycles.
According to the Director General of Excise, citizens should immediately get the M-Tag installed on their motorcycles to avoid any legal complications. To have the M-Tag installed, citizens must visit any active centre with their motorcycle documents and national identity card.
According to Irfan Memon, for the convenience of the public, all M-Tag centres will remain open tomorrow. The purpose of this initiative is to facilitate the registration and traffic monitoring of motorcycles and to provide legal protection to citizens.
Read more: How many toll plazas will be auctioned across country?
