In a decisive move to address a major public grievance, Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi has issued a strict one-month deadline for the clearance of all pending driving license cards in the province. The directive targets the completion and delivery of more than 117,000 overdue license cards that have been a source of frustration for citizens across various districts.
Strict Timelines for District-Wise Clearance
Following the Chief Minister's orders, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Transport Department has immediately rolled out a detailed, division-specific schedule to ensure compliance. The plan leaves no room for ambiguity, assigning firm deadlines for each region.
The clearance operation will commence in Hazara Division, where printing is slated for completion in the first week of January 2026. Subsequently, the Malakand Division will see pending cards for Swat, Dir, and Buner delivered by mid-January 2026.
The schedule for other major divisions is as follows:
- Peshawar Division: Delivery scheduled between January 23 and January 26, 2026.
- Kohat Division: Process expected to be completed by January 29, 2026.
- Bannu, Mardan, and Dera Ismail Khan Divisions: All license holders are to receive their cards by January 30, 2026.
A Push for Administrative Efficiency and Public Trust
Chief Minister Afridi emphasized that the move is not merely about distributing plastic cards but is a critical test of administrative efficiency. He directed all relevant departments to mobilize all available resources to meet these deadlines and finally resolve the long-standing complaints of the public.
"Improving administrative efficiency and restoring public confidence requires practical action," stated CM Afridi. He made it clear that the provincial government will not tolerate any negligence in the provision of such essential public services. Timely and effective service delivery, he reiterated, remains a top priority of his administration.
Warning of Consequences for Non-Compliance
The Chief Minister issued a stern warning to the officials involved, stating that any lapses in meeting the announced deadlines would invite strict disciplinary action. This firm stance underscores the government's commitment to translating promises into tangible results for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The initiative is seen as a significant step towards streamlining citizen-centric services and reducing unnecessary bureaucratic delays that have plagued the system for years.
