The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has officially mandated fitness certificates for motorcycles—a requirement previously limited to private cars. The move comes as part of recent amendments to the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1965, confirmed by Secretary Punjab Provincial Transport Authority (PPTA), Muhammad Hassan Ahsan.
According to Mr. Ahsan, this change aims to regulate motorcycles for both mechanical safety and emissions standards, a step deemed essential in tackling the worsening air quality in Punjab’s urban centres. “Just like private cars, motorcycles will now also have to undergo regular fitness checks,” he stated.
The government has also initiated broader reforms in the transport sector to enhance transparency and efficiency. These include digitising the route permit issuance process and abolishing handwritten challans, making it easier for citizens to access services while reducing corruption.
Mr. Ahsan emphasized that enforcement against polluting motorcycles will begin soon, backed by newly completed mapping of transport systems across all districts. He also addressed vehicle overloading, calling it a persistent issue that compromises road safety and contributes to environmental damage.
Future efforts will include digital monitoring systems to ensure compliance with loading limits and environmental standards.
