Punjab Police Oversight: A Shocking License Error
A recent incident involving the Punjab Traffic Police’s Driving License Branch in Multan has sparked significant outrage. Authorities mistakenly issued a male citizen a driving license prominently featuring a woman’s photograph. This surprising error immediately highlighted serious concerns regarding departmental data management and overall accountability. Clearly, such a blunder demands immediate attention.
Asghar Sawal’s Ordeal: The Wrong Photo License
The individual impacted by this error, Asghar Sawal, recently shared his frustrating experience. He applied for his driving license in 2025, diligently completed the necessary training, and successfully passed the driving test. Following this, he paid all designated fees for the process and patiently awaited his official document.
Upon receiving the license, however, Asghar was shocked. A woman’s photograph had been printed on his crucial identification document instead of his own. Residing in Karachi for work, Asghar emphasized the impracticality of traveling back to Multan solely to correct an obvious error made by the authorities.
Departmental Indifference: Additional Fees and Delays for Punjab Police License Correction
Despite the clear error, officials at the Multan Driving License Branch reportedly refused to accept responsibility. Instead, they informed Asghar he would face an additional charge of Rs. 65 to amend the record. Furthermore, the correction process could take up to four months. This delay is completely unacceptable, especially given the departmental mistake.
Asghar expressed his shock, stating, “It was their mistake, but they’re asking me to pay and wait for months just to fix it.” Consequently, this response has significantly amplified his frustration and prompted questions regarding existing citizen service standards in Pakistan.
Impact on Public Trust: Data Handling Concerns
This incident has ignited significant concerns about the Punjab Traffic Police’s systems for data handling, record management, and accountability. A driving license is a fundamental identity document. Therefore, such glaring errors can unfortunately lead to considerable legal and administrative complications for citizens.
- Routine traffic checks
- Official verifications
- Other personal identification needs
The case has resonated widely across the public. It has prompted significant discourse on the reliability of the system, consequently fueling speculation about other similar undetected errors within the licensing process.
Seeking Justice: Appeal for Systemic Improvement
Due to the unresolved issue and the department’s unhelpful stance, Asghar Sawal has formally appealed to the Inspector General of Punjab Police. He has requested immediate attention to the matter. Furthermore, he seeks orders for a prompt correction without any additional fees.
Ultimately, this incident highlights the critical need for rigorous quality control and efficient dispute resolution mechanisms. Public service departments must maintain public trust and ensure citizens are not unduly burdened by administrative lapses. Therefore, systemic improvements are essential for a reliable driving license system.
