ISLAMABAD (MNN); The federal capital’s decision to make M-Tag registration compulsory for motorcycles has drawn growing public criticism, as long queues form outside registration centres during Ramazan and riders question the timing and clarity of the policy.
Authorities have established 13 M-Tag registration facilities across Islamabad, extending the electronic tagging system — previously used mainly for cars — to motorcycles. Officials say the move is part of a broader strategy to improve security surveillance and modernise vehicle record management.
However, citizens visiting the centres this week reported confusion, procedural hurdles and a lack of clear public communication regarding the new requirement.
At several locations, motorcyclists complained of waiting for hours while fasting. Many questioned why the initiative was not introduced in phases or postponed until after Ramazan. Some applicants said they had been standing in queues for more than 12 hours.
“I arrived at the Fatima Jinnah Park M-Tag desk at 11am and was still waiting at around 6pm near Iftar time, unsure when my turn would come,” said Syed Ali Raza Shah.
Another citizen, Saqib Mujahid, said the government should have provided adequate time for compliance and predicted that authorities may have to extend the March 5 deadline due to the unprecedented rush.
Riders also expressed uncertainty about the purpose of the tag for motorcycles. “There is no clear explanation of what the tag will actually do,” said one commuter who had been waiting for over an hour. “If this is about security, authorities should clarify how it differs from existing checks.”
Women and elderly applicants were seen standing in the same queues, with no separate facilitation counters or appointment-based system available.
Officials insist the policy aims to enhance vehicle traceability and support law enforcement agencies. Currently, security checks at Islamabad entry points already involve verification of identity cards, driving licences and vehicle documents.
Several citizens questioned what additional advantage the M-Tag system would provide. “We already show our documents at checkpoints. How will this tag practically improve security?” asked a rider in I-9.
While M-Tags are commonly used in cars to enable toll payments and regulate motorway access, authorities have yet to clarify whether motorcycles will be subject to automatic toll deductions or if the tags will be used solely for tracking and documentation.
Registration centre officials said a major bottleneck stems from documentation requirements. M-Tags are being issued only when the registered owner is physically present and the motorcycle carries its original number plate along with complete documentation.
Centre managers acknowledged that many motorcycles in Islamabad are registered in relatives’ names or have not been formally transferred to current users. Applicants are being directed to complete ownership transfers before obtaining the tag — a process many described as time-consuming and costly.
“For families where the motorcycle is registered in a relative’s name or owned by someone living abroad, this requirement creates unnecessary complications,” said another rider.
Although the installation fee is set at Rs250, some motorcyclists argued that even minor modifications could affect resale value, particularly for expensive models.
“Even small alterations can reduce resale price,” said a motorcycle owner at the Malpur registration centre. “If this policy is mandatory, such expenses should have been included in existing registration or excise charges.”
Others voiced concerns about the physical security of the device, noting that motorcycles lack enclosed spaces where electronic tags can be safely installed.
Despite official assurances that the initiative will streamline documentation and improve monitoring, public awareness remains limited. Detailed guidelines on toll applicability, penalties for non-compliance and data protection measures have yet to be clearly communicated.
