Punjab has taken another step toward digital public service delivery with the launch of six new Rehbar Centers in Gujranwala, designed to streamline and modernize the process of obtaining and renewing driving licenses. This latest expansion of smart licensing services reflects the provincial government’s ongoing push for digitization and road safety in one of Pakistan’s most densely populated cities.
The new centers were officially inaugurated by Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Ayesha Butt, who emphasized the initiative’s commitment to modern public service and safer roads. Based on a “smart office” model, the Rehbar Centers aim to reduce wait times, increase transparency, and simplify processes for the issuance of learner, duplicate, international, and light or heavy transport licenses. The move is particularly significant for Gujranwala, a city with over 2.3 million residents and millions of registered vehicles—most of which are motorcycles navigating congested urban roads daily.
Three of the six Rehbar Centers are already operational at Dastagir Chowk, Chunda Qila, and Jinnah Interchange. All locations are equipped with a wireless traffic management system that not only facilitates the issuance and renewal of driving licenses but also offers services such as license verification, traffic violation records, and issuance of international permits. These centers further provide a platform for citizens to register complaints and receive real-time updates about traffic conditions, road incidents, and relevant information from government departments.
The centers are part of a broader digital transformation plan for Punjab’s traffic management infrastructure. This initiative not only brings efficiency to routine public services but also plays a key role in addressing traffic safety and law enforcement challenges. With more than 1.5 million driving licenses already issued across the province, the digital ecosystem is growing rapidly to support a safer and more responsible driving culture.
CTO Ayesha Butt, during the inauguration, urged the public to support the initiative by complying with traffic laws and avoiding the illegal practice of allowing underage individuals to drive. She stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility and that public cooperation is critical to reducing the number of road accidents and violations in the city. Butt also highlighted the strategic use of technology to manage growing urban traffic and ensure that citizens are served through faster, smarter, and more accountable systems.
The Rehbar Centers in Gujranwala mirror successful deployments in other major cities, forming part of a province-wide effort to enhance citizen services through digitization. These centers not only enhance convenience for the public but also create a valuable digital footprint that can be leveraged for future traffic analytics, urban planning, and public safety improvements.
Punjab’s continued investment in smart public service infrastructure signals a promising future for digital governance in Pakistan. As more districts adopt similar models, the province stands to benefit from safer roads, better service delivery, and a more digitally empowered population.
