Web desk: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday stopped the traffic police from immediately filing First Information Reports (FIRs) against people driving without valid licences.
Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar gave the order while hearing a petition that challenged the Islamabad Traffic Police’s ongoing drive against unlicensed drivers.
Islamabad’s Chief Traffic Officer (CTO), Captain (R) Hamza Humayun, appeared before the court during the proceedings.
The petition questioned the recent campaign by the traffic police, which included plans to seize vehicles, register FIRs, and arrest individuals driving without a licence.
Chief Justice Dogar directed the CTO not to register FIRs straight away, saying that first-time offenders should be fined and warned instead.
“Once an FIR is lodged, the individual enters the criminal justice system. This creates a stigma that can negatively affect their future,” the judge remarked.
Further adding, “A one-time warning and a recorded fine are more appropriate for a first-time offence. Stricter action may be taken if the driver repeats the offence.”
The court also noted that drivers who hold valid licences but fail to carry the physical copy should be allowed to present a digital version or photocopy.
Justice Dogar pointed out that NADRA’s mobile app already provides online verification for important documents, including driving licences, and could be used to assist traffic officials.
CTO Hamza Humayun told the court that no FIRs have been registered so far against unlicensed drivers and that efforts are underway to link licence verification with NADRA’s digital systems.
The IHC Chief Justice clarified that FIRs should only be lodged in cases of reckless or negligent driving.
The petitioner had argued that the traffic police’s campaign and its penalties were unconstitutional.
They argued that arrests and FIRs without formal approval from Parliament or the federal cabinet had no legal standing.
It was further stated that under the Motor Vehicles Ordinance, driving without a licence is punishable through fines, not through immediate arrest or the registration of an FIR.
After listening to the arguments, the IHC disposed of the petition and issued directions to the traffic authorities.
The case followed a recent crackdown by Islamabad Traffic Police, which began enforcing stricter fines and penalties earlier this year to improve road discipline.
