Lahore’s traffic administration has announced a city‑wide verification campaign aimed at commercial‑vehicle operators, stating that any driver holding a Light, Heavy or Public Service Vehicle licence who is found to have a criminal conviction will be prohibited from continuing to operate a commercial vehicle. The drive, slated to begin this week, targets thousands of LTV, HTV and PSV licence holders across the metropolis.
The verification process will commence with the systematic collection of driver details at major bus terminals, intercity bus depots and other high‑traffic points where commercial drivers congregate. Officials from the Lahore Transport Authority (LTA) and the city traffic police will record personal identifiers, licence numbers and employment information before forwarding the data to a centralised verification unit.
Once gathered, the information will be cross‑referenced against the Criminal Record Office’s database, which maintains up‑to‑date records of convictions ranging from traffic‑related offences to more serious criminal matters. The cross‑check will be performed electronically, allowing authorities to flag any licence holder whose record shows a disqualifying conviction.
Drivers whose names are flagged will have their commercial licences suspended indefinitely, pending a formal review. The suspension will apply specifically to the operation of LTVs, HTVs and PSVs; private‑use licences will remain unaffected. Affected individuals will be notified in writing and given the opportunity to appeal the decision through the established legal channels.
The initiative is being positioned as a response to mounting public concern over road safety and a series of high‑profile accidents in recent months that have been linked to drivers with prior criminal histories. By removing potentially unsafe operators from the public‑transport system, the city hopes to restore passenger confidence and reduce the frequency of serious traffic incidents.
Transport unions and driver associations have expressed mixed reactions. While some acknowledge the need for stricter safety measures, others warn that the abrupt bans could disrupt livelihoods and strain the already‑tight supply of commercial drivers, especially during peak travel periods such as Ramadan and the upcoming festive season. The LTA has pledged to coordinate with these groups to mitigate any short‑term service gaps.
Officials indicated that the verification drive will run for an initial three‑month period, after which a comprehensive report will be presented to the Lahore municipal corporation. The report will assess the number of licences withdrawn, the types of convictions uncovered, and the overall impact on traffic safety metrics, laying the groundwork for possible permanent policy changes.