ISLAMABAD: In a surprising development, the caretaker government of Punjab has significantly raised the fees for learner’s driving licenses in a decision approved during the 33rd provincial cabinet meeting chaired by Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi.
Starting January 1, 2024, the fee for a learner’s driving license in Punjab has undergone a substantial increase, jumping from the previous Rs60 to a notable Rs1,000.
While the local population faces the impact of this considerable fee hike, there is an unexpected benefit for citizens of the United States and Pakistani expatriates residing in the US, Canada, or elsewhere. They can now acquire a driving license through a straightforward online process, requiring a payment of $100.
The repercussions of the cabinet’s decisions are not limited to learner’s driving licenses. Fees for both light and heavy vehicle driving licenses, as well as Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licenses, have also seen an increase.
In a separate move, the cabinet has approved a transfer policy for students pursuing Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), and Bachelor in Dental Surgery (BDS) degrees in government medical and dental colleges. However, the policy specifies that transfers will only be allowed from high-grade merit to low-grade merit medical and dental colleges.
These decisions follow a directive from the Lahore High Court, urging strict measures against motorists driving without a valid license. Justice Ali Zia Bajwa stressed the importance of adhering to traffic rules and expressed dissatisfaction over rule violations.
Addressing the needs of farmers in the Cholistan region, the provincial cabinet has decided to conduct a transparent lucky draw for the allotment of government land. This initiative aims to bring fairness and equity to the distribution of crucial resources.
As the citizens of Punjab grapple with the financial implications of increased license fees, the government’s decisions present a nuanced picture of fiscal adjustments, legal measures, and efforts to balance the interests of various stakeholders.
