ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Additional staff have been deployed at Islamabad M-Tag centres as over 120,000 vehicles have so far registered ahead of the January 15 deadline.
The M-Tag is a prepaid radio frequency identification (RFID) sticker for a vehicle windshield that automates toll payments. As a vehicle passes through a toll plaza, scanners identify the vehicle and entry point and upon exiting, the system automatically deducts the toll from the balance, also eliminating the need to wait in long queues.
Islamabad authorities believe that linking vehicles with electronic monitoring will ensure security of the federal capital, as the administration has warned that vehicles without M-Tags will not be allowed to enter Islamabad from the now-extended deadline of this January 15.
With 11 days remaining before enforcement begins, officials have reported steady progress in the M-Tag registration drive. They said 120,447 vehicles have been fitted with M-Tags so far.
Director General (DG) Excise and Taxation, Irfan Memon, said arrangements at all M-Tag centres have been enhanced to handle the rising number of visitors as the deadline approaches.
He said additional staff have been deployed and sufficient stock of tags has been ensured to avoid shortages, adding that the steps were meant to reduce waiting time and allow citizens to complete the process in one visit.
The DG warned that after January 15, action would be taken against vehicles without M-Tags at 12 entry points across the city.
These checks will be carried out with the support of Safe City system, which has already completed the installation of M-Tag readers at designated locations, the DG added.
According to the officials, the electronic readers were now active and integrated with monitoring system. The setup is intended to identify vehicles entering the city without valid tags.
M-Tag initiative
They said this will help enforce compliance and improve traffic oversight. The M-Tag initiative is part of broader efforts to streamline vehicle records and support digital enforcement.
By linking vehicle data with electronic systems, authorities aim to improve identification at checkpoints and entry routes. The system is expected to assist in managing traffic flow and tracking violations.
According to official guidelines, the vehicle owners must present only two documents at designated M-Tag registration points. These documents are the vehicle registration card or registration book, and the computerised national identity card (CNIC) of the vehicle owner.
Officials said incomplete documentation remains a common cause of delays and urged applicants to prepare in advance.
The authorities have appealed to residents not to wait for the final days, as last-minute rush could increase queues at the registration centres.
