Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) rolled out a new roadside‑assistance programme called “Mechanic on Wheels” on 31 August 2026, promising to dispatch help to any vehicle that breaks down on the capital’s streets. Operating under the tagline “Where your car stops, help arrives,” the service targets common problems such as flat tyres, dead batteries and minor mechanical failures.
Motorists can summon a mobile unit by calling a dedicated ITP hotline; once the request is logged, a van equipped with essential tools, a spare tyre and a portable battery charger is sent to the caller’s location. Each unit is staffed by a trained mechanic and is designed to carry out on‑site repairs quickly enough to get the vehicle moving again, thereby preventing prolonged lane blockages.
The initiative comes at a time when Islamabad’s growing commuter traffic has been repeatedly hampered by stalled cars, especially during rush hour. By clearing breakdowns promptly, ITP hopes to ease congestion on arterial routes such as Murree Road and the Islamabad Expressway, and to lower the risk of secondary accidents that often follow a stranded vehicle.
ITP officials say the programme is part of a broader push to modernise traffic management across the federal capital. In recent years the force has introduced digital traffic‑signal control, city‑wide CCTV monitoring and a mobile app for reporting violations. “Mechanic on Wheels adds a practical, on‑the‑spot solution to everyday commuter challenges, complementing our digital initiatives,” an ITP spokesperson explained.
Local commuters, ride‑hailing drivers and commercial transport operators are expected to benefit most from the service, as quicker clearance of breakdowns reduces idle time and fuel wastage. Moreover, emergency responders will have clearer routes during critical incidents, potentially improving overall road safety in the region.
The ITP plans to evaluate the pilot’s performance over the coming months, with a view to expanding the fleet of mobile units and integrating the hotline into its existing traffic‑management app. If successful, the model could serve as a template for other Pakistani cities grappling with similar congestion and roadside‑assistance gaps.