The Islamabad High Court has directed the capital administration to provide relief to students and avoid strict enforcement of the motorcycle m-tag policy, ensuring that young commuters are not unnecessarily burdened.
The directive was issued by Sardar Mohammad Sarfaraz Dogar during a hearing on a petition challenging the requirement for motorcycles entering Islamabad to carry m-tags.
Court Emphasizes Student Relief
During the proceedings, the chief justice highlighted that students should be treated with leniency in the implementation of the policy. He noted that students have traditionally been given concessions in similar situations and should not face unnecessary difficulties.
The court stressed that while policies are important, their enforcement must consider the challenges faced by students who rely on motorcycles for daily commuting.
Background of the M-Tag Policy
In response to the court’s query, state counsel explained that the m-tag system was introduced due to security concerns, particularly after a past courthouse blast involving a motorcycle.
The incident resulted in multiple casualties, prompting authorities to introduce stricter monitoring measures at entry points to Islamabad in order to enhance security and prevent similar threats.
Balanced Approach Between Security and Convenience
Chief Justice Dogar acknowledged the importance of security measures but emphasized that implementation should be balanced to avoid creating undue hardship for students.
He directed the administration to adopt a flexible and considerate approach, ensuring that security objectives are met without negatively impacting students’ daily lives.
Next Hearing Scheduled
The court has instructed the relevant authorities to submit a detailed response on the matter. The hearing has been adjourned until April 6, when further developments in the case are expected.
This move reflects the judiciary’s effort to ensure that public policies are implemented fairly while protecting the interests of citizens, especially students.
