ISLAMABAD: The National Highway and Motorway Police (NH&MP) will start issuing driving licences from next month, and only those possessing these licences will be allowed to drive on motorways.

This was announced during the NH&MP annual award ceremony, presided over by President Mamnoon Hussain, at the Presidency on Tuesday.

“The NH&MP will start issuing licences from March 15, only after a strict road test,” said its Inspector General (IG) Zulfiqar Cheema, adding that the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) has been taken on board.

Motorway licences will be of international standards and will be issued only to skilled and qualified drivers.

Earlier, President Mamnoon Hussain said: “The government has set in motion its vision of expanding national and international trade corridors to establish linkages to existing and new markets, and only a secure road infrastructure can make it possible.”

“The government is committed to strengthening the road network and ensuring safety and convenient mobility of people,” he said and praised the NH&MP for educating the masses which had resulted in reduction in accidents.

“I am pleased to note that highways and motorways laws are being enforced without any discrimination,” he said. Only rule of law can ensure sustainable and long-term peace and stability in any country.”