Islamabad to crack down on unregistered taxis, bike services

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad district administration has announced strict action against taxi and bike riders operating without registration, as it moves to regulate online transport services and strengthen passenger security in the federal capital.

According to officials, the administration has decided to ensure the formal registration of all online taxi and ride-hailing services operating in Islamabad. As part of the registration process, comprehensive details of drivers and vehicles will be collected and recorded.

The administration has directed the Additional Deputy Commissioner East to establish contact with the chief executive officers of various taxi and ride-hailing companies to facilitate the registration process. Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Islamabad Transport Authority has been instructed to take enforcement action against unregistered bike riders.

Officials said that the registration of unregistered vehicles and bikes will be carried out through a digitally automated system to ensure transparency and efficiency. The data collected through the registration app will also be accessible to Islamabad Police to enhance monitoring and law enforcement.

Under the new framework, drivers will be required to upload passenger details on the app after registration. Authorities said drivers will not be permitted to carry passengers without entering the passenger’s CNIC number, a measure aimed at improving accountability and public safety.

The move comes as part of broader efforts by the Islamabad administration to regulate the transport sector, curb illegal operations, and enhance security for commuters using online taxi and bike services in the capital.

Judicial complex blast

Last year in November, authorities had detained a bike rider working for an online ride-hailing service who had dropped the suicide bomber near Islamabad’s judicial complex, as authorities continued probing the attack that killed 12 people and injured 36 others.

Police said the bomber had paid for the ride, which was traced through CCTV footage. The journey reportedly began from Chungi No. 26 and ended close to the judicial complex. According to officials, the attacker made several unsuccessful attempts to enter the premises due to heightened security before detonating the explosives after a police vehicle approached the area.

Security officials said the bomber remained in the vicinity for around 15 minutes prior to the blast, targeting the road adjacent to the judicial complex. Investigators began tracking his movements to determine whether he had accomplices in Islamabad and to identify the source of the explosives.