In a recent development, a Lahore High Court petition has filed challenging the decision of the Caretaker Punjab government to increase driving license fees. The petitioner, identified as Rana Ali Hasnain, has raised concerns over the legality of the fee hike and questioned the authority of the caretaker government to implement such decisions.
According to the petitioner, the primary role of the caretaker government is to manage day-to-day affairs, and it lacks the power to make decisions that have long-term implications for the citizens. The legal challenge targets key figures, including the Punjab government and Inspector General Punjab, among others.
Hasnain’s plea urges the court to suspend the notification and instruct relevant officials to revert to the previous fee structure. The recent adjustments, sanctioned by caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, saw a substantial increase in learner permit fees from Rs. 60 to Rs. 500. Additionally, the license renewal fee, previously charged every 5 years, has modified to an annual billing cycle.
This legal intervention comes amid public discontent over the sudden and substantial fee increments, signaling potential relief for citizens facing the financial burden of obtaining or renewing driving licenses in Punjab. The Lahore High Court will now deliberate on the petition, and its decision could have significant implications for the implementation of the revised fee structure.
