From Singapore to Pakistan: My Driving License Adventure

Moving back to Pakistan after 7 years in Singapore? Congratulations! While settling back in can be exciting, navigating bureaucracy can be a bit tricky. Case in point: my experience converting my Singaporean driving license.

This article shares my journey and hopefully helps other non-resident Pakistanis (NRP) avoid some of the bumps I encountered along the way.

Understanding Driving License Authorities in Pakistan

Pakistan has a two-tiered system for issuing driving licenses:

• Provincial Authorities: Each province (Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit Baltistan) has its own licensing authority. These offices handle licenses for residents of that specific province.
• Federal Authorities:
  • Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police: Issues licenses for Islamabad residents. A key benefit? ICT licenses are issued under the Vienna Convention, meaning they act as an international driving permit – no need for a separate IDP!
  • National Highways and Motorways Police (NH&MP): This federal body issues licenses through its Drivers Licensing Authority to any Pakistani citizen, regardless of their province of residence.

My Experience: A Tale of Two Cities

I held a Singaporean driving license, and assumed the conversion process would be straightforward, especially since Singapore recognises Pakistani licenses. However, I was surprised to learn that Punjab doesn’t offer a direct conversion for Singaporean licenses. This meant going through the entire process: theory tests, a driving test (yes, even for a seasoned driver!), and then the long wait for a permanent license.

After jumping through those hoops at the Punjab Traffic Police Office in Talagang, I discovered a much simpler route: the NH&MP Drivers Licensing Authority. They have a streamlined process for converting international licenses, and I was able to get my Pakistani license within a day!

Key Takeaways for Returning Pakistanis

• NH&MP is your friend: If you’re converting a foreign license, head straight to the NH&MP Drivers Licensing Authority. It will save you time and frustration.
• Provincial vs. Federal: Understand the difference and choose the authority that suits your needs. If you need an international driving permit, the ICT Police is the way to go.
• Be prepared for some hurdles: Even with the NH&MP, there might be some paperwork and procedures involved. Patience is key!

I hope this helps make your transition back to Pakistan a little smoother. Feel free to share your own experiences in the comments below!

Useful Links

• National Highways & Motorways Police: https://dla.nhmp.gov.pk
• Islamabad Capital Territory Police: https://islamabadpolice.gov.pk/itp
• Punjab Traffic Police: https://trafficpolice.punjab.gov.pk
• Driving License Issuance and Management System (DLIMS) Punjab: https://dlims.punjab.gov.pk