CM Afridi says initiative reflects digitisation vision; over 22,000 licences issued in pilot phase
DLP Report
PESHAWAR
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Monday has launched a Digital Licence Management System aimed at streamlining the issuance of driving licences and improving transparency in the process.
Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi formally inaugurated the system under the Transport Department, stating that the initiative represents the practical implementation of former prime minister Imran Khan’s vision for digitisation.
Speaking at the ceremony, the chief minister said the entire process of issuing driving licences had been fully digitised, which would not only facilitate citizens but also ensure merit and transparency. He termed the development a key milestone in the provincial government’s broader reform agenda.
He added that the government was introducing digital reforms across multiple sectors, including e-governance, online service delivery and digital payments, with the aim of providing modern and efficient services to the public.
During a briefing, officials informed the chief minister that following the pilot phase of the system, a total of 19,966 learner licences and 2,212 permanent driving licences had been issued, generating revenue of Rs50 million for the provincial exchequer.
Under the new system, citizens can apply for driving licences from home through the “Dastak” mobile application and web portal, with all stages of the process completed digitally.
Officials said the system includes advanced features such as AI-based facial recognition, online issuance of medical certificates, QR code verification and the establishment of a centralised database. It also offers cashless payment options through multiple platforms and allows applicants to pre-schedule appointments for medical and driving tests.
The introduction of e-driving licences enables citizens to access their licences quickly, while integration with the Dastak platform is expected to further improve service delivery and verification mechanisms.
Authorities said compliance with the mandatory 45-day learner period policy would be strictly enforced under the new digital system.
