Police character certificate declared mandatory for online drivers

LAHORE – The Punjab government has signed an agreement with online ride-hailing companies to enhance passenger safety across the province. Under the new framework, all drivers operating through these platforms will be required to obtain a police-issued character certificate before they can provide services. This initiative aims to ensure that ride-hailing services, including motorcycles, rickshaws, and cars, are operated by verified and trustworthy individuals. Authorities believe the move will not only improve passenger security but also create a comprehensive database of all registered ride-hailing drivers in Punjab. According to recent data, over two million passengers rely on ride-hailing services daily, making it a critical part of urban transportation. The government expects that stricter vetting procedures and better monitoring of drivers will significantly reduce incidents of crime and misconduct, while boosting public confidence in the safety of online transport services. Officials have emphasized that this step is part of a broader initiative to modernize transport regulation in the province, ensuring safety without disrupting the growing ride-hailing ecosystem. How to Get Police Character Certificate To get a Punjab Police character certificate, you need to visit a local Police Khidmat Markaz (PKM) along with required documents including your original CNIC/NICOP, a copy of your passport, and an affidavit. The fee is Rs500, and the certificate is generally issued within a few days.