In a surprising turn of events, the Punjab caretaker government on Tuesday made a substantial increase in the fees for learner's driving licenses.
The decision was approved during the 33rd provincial cabinet meeting chaired by Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi.
Effective January 1, 2024, the fee for a learner's driving license in Punjab has experienced a staggering surge, catapulting from the previous Rs60 to a notable Rs1,000.
Online access for US and Pakistani expatriates
While the local population contends with the substantial fee hike, the cabinet's decisions also hold a surprising perk for citizens of the United States and Pakistani expatriates residing in the US, Canada, or any other country.
These individuals can now obtain a driving license through a straightforward online process, requiring a payment of $100.
The ripple effect of the cabinet's decisions extends beyond learner's driving licenses. Fees for both light and heavy vehicle driving licenses, as well as Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licenses, have also experienced an increase.
Medical students face limited transfer options
In a separate stride, the cabinet 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 stipulates that transfers will only be allowed from high-grade merit to low-grade merit medical and dental colleges.
Crackdown on Unlicensed Driving: Lahore High Court's Firm Stand
The decisions come on the heels of a Lahore High Court directive ordering strict measures against motorists driving without a valid license.
Justice Ali Zia Bajwa emphasized the importance of upholding traffic rules, expressing dissatisfaction over rule violations.
In a bid to address 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 move aims to bring fairness and equity to the distribution of vital resources.
As the citizens of Punjab grapple with the financial implications of the increased license fees, the government's decisions paint a complex picture of fiscal adjustments, legal measures, and efforts to balance the interests of various stakeholders
