The federal government has approved a uniform nationwide online system for issuing International Driving Permits, moving the service toward a fully digital process through the National Police Bureau. The decision was announced by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi during a meeting at the National Police Bureau, where officials reviewed ongoing reforms and digital initiatives. The new system is intended to make the process easier for citizens, particularly Pakistanis planning to travel abroad, by introducing a standardized mechanism instead of procedures that may vary across different jurisdictions. Alongside International Driving Permits, the government is also moving police clearance certificates to an online platform, allowing citizens to submit applications remotely rather than visiting offices in person. The initiatives form part of a wider effort to simplify administrative services through digital systems and make government processes more accessible to citizens.
Under the approved framework, the National Police Bureau will handle police clearance certificates through its online portal. Citizens will be able to apply for these certificates from home, removing the need for applicants to visit offices for the application process. The government has also directed authorities to establish a uniform system for International Driving Permits across the country. The standardized approach is expected to provide a consistent process for applicants and reduce delays associated with different procedures. International Driving Permits are particularly relevant for Pakistanis traveling overseas who need documentation to drive in another country, making the availability of an online application system potentially useful for citizens preparing for international travel. By bringing both services under more consistent digital arrangements, the government is seeking to simplify access and reduce the administrative burden associated with obtaining official documents.
Mohsin Naqvi said the unified systems for police clearance certificates and International Driving Permits would make it easier for citizens, particularly those traveling abroad. The Interior Minister also emphasized the government’s intention to make the National Police Bureau a more active and dynamic institution. During his visit, he inspected renovation work at the bureau’s building and received a briefing on ongoing reforms and digital initiatives. The meeting also included a tribute to police personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty on Youm-i-Police Shuhada. The government’s focus on digital services at the National Police Bureau comes as public institutions continue to shift administrative processes toward online platforms. Such systems can allow applicants to submit information remotely, reduce physical visits and create centralized channels for government services.
The nationwide International Driving Permit system and online police clearance certificate service are part of efforts to standardize administrative procedures and expand digital access to government services. While the government has approved the uniform framework for International Driving Permits, the National Police Bureau is expected to operate the online police clearance certificate process through its portal. The move could provide a more consistent experience for citizens dealing with documentation required for international travel, while the digital model may also reduce reliance on manual application procedures. The government has not provided further details in the announcement regarding the exact launch date, application fees or specific steps for obtaining International Driving Permits through the new nationwide platform. However, the approval marks a further move toward digitizing citizen-facing services and centralizing processes that have traditionally required applicants to interact with government offices.
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