ITP Enforcement Shows Results, Yet Risky Driving Persists

News Desk 

Islamabad: Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) witnessed a significant improvement in road safety during 2025, recording a 45 percent reduction in traffic violations and a 22 percent decline in road accidents across the federal capital, according to the department’s year-end performance review.

Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Captain (R) Hamzah Humayun, while releasing the 2025 Performance Audit Report, said the progress was achieved through strict enforcement, enhanced monitoring, and extensive public awareness campaigns carried out under the vision of Inspector General of Police Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi.

During the year, ITP carried out over 762,500 enforcement actions against traffic violations, targeting key issues such as wrong-way driving, over-speeding, reckless driving, underage and unlicensed driving, lane violations, riding without helmets, and the use of fancy or non-standard number plates.

According to the report, action against lane violations involved 34,489 vehicles and motorcycles, reflecting a 22 percent decrease compared to last year. Enforcement against mobile phone use while driving and helmet non-compliance resulted in 7,931 tickets, while 65,784 motorcycles were proceeded against for helmet violations, marking a 12 percent decline.

The ITP also took action against 21,168 vehicles with fancy or non-standard number plates and 8,054 vehicles with tinted glasses, both showing a 12 percent reduction. Additionally, 120 driving licences and 90 route permits were suspended for serious violations.

To strengthen monitoring, five permanent checking points were established at key locations, including Faizabad, Expressway, Srinagar Highway (G-14), Murree Road, Margalla Road, Trail-3, Best Western and Zero Point. Over 88,000 road users were checked at these points, while more than 2,100 citizens received on-road assistance.

Public awareness remained a major focus throughout the year. The ITP conducted 1,250 awareness activities in educational institutions and public and private organizations, reaching over 1.3 million citizens. As a result, the proportion of licensed drivers rose from 37 percent to 81 percent, while helmet usage among motorcyclists increased to 96 percent.

The report further highlighted expansion in licensing services, with units increasing from four to 12, facilitating over 560,000 citizens. ITP help units assisted 1,346 motorists, while traffic officers conducted 620 emergency evacuations, transporting injured persons to hospitals.

ITP personnel also managed traffic and security at 2,237 major events, including religious gatherings, national functions, international cricket series and visits of foreign delegations.

Traffic flow improved by 35 percent following the completion and progress of infrastructure projects such as the Serena Underpass, F-8 Underpass, Rawat T-Cross, Shaheen Chowk Underpass and Faizabad Extension, implemented in coordination with the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

Outlining priorities for 2026, CTO Hamzah said ITP would intensify action against deadly violations, particularly lane violations, reckless driving and over-speeding.

Planned initiatives include the launch of a Digital Traffic Project with 1,574 cameras at 195 locations, introduction of capital e-licensing, opening of service roads along the Expressway, and development of parking plazas in F-10, I-8 and Blue Area.

He emphasized that sustained progress in road safety depends on public cooperation, urging citizens to follow traffic laws and support Islamabad Traffic Police in making the capital’s roads safer and more disciplined.