Punjab has issued a record 2.96 million motorcycle driving licences in just one year, marking the highest number ever recorded in the country, the Punjab Traffic Police announced on Saturday.
According to the spokesperson, over 2.945 million men, more than 14,000 women, and above 100 transgender persons successfully obtained their motorcycle licences. Officials said this milestone reflects the government’s efforts to make licence issuance more accessible.
DIG Traffic Punjab, Muhammad Waqas Nazir, said the initiative of granting both learning and regular licences on the same day, launched last year, will continue across the province.
“It is very encouraging that more than 2.9 million riders are now legally driving with licences,” Nazir noted. “This not only helps reduce accidents but also creates employment opportunities.” He urged motorcyclists to obtain licences and “drive with dignity.”
Road crashes on the rise
However, despite the historic licence drive, Punjab has witnessed a surge in traffic accidents. Official data from the Punjab Emergency Services Department (Rescue 1122) revealed that road traffic crashes increased by 29% in January 2025 compared to the same month last year.
The province recorded 38,791 road crashes in January 2025, up from 30,063 in January 2024. Overall, emergencies rose by 16%, with 196,963 incidents reported compared to 169,625 a year earlier.
Other emergencies also climbed:
-
Fire incidents rose by 37.3% (2,356 cases vs. 1,716).
-
Medical emergencies increased by 12.3% (135,191 cases vs. 120,363).
-
Crime-related emergencies surged 22.6% (3,132 cases vs. 2,555).
-
Electric shock cases jumped 21% (400 cases).
-
Animal rescues rose 15.2% (722 cases vs. 627).
The contrasting figures highlight ongoing concerns over traffic management and public safety, with experts urging stronger enforcement and road discipline despite the government’s record licence issuance.