The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Transport and Information, Mian Iftikhar Hussain has announced that all driving licences having been issued without the signature and verification of Motor Vehicle Examiners (MVEs) stand unlawful adding that action would be taken against those who have issued such licences.

            These views he expressed while presiding over a meeting of MVEs in Peshawar on Thursday. Director Transport, Manzoor Khan and Deputy Secretary Muntazim Shah were also present on this occasion.

            Mian Iftikhar said the task of MVEs and issuance of driving licences have been entrusted to Transport Department with a noble view in order to make it transparent and easy for the transporters. He said that it would be unfortunate if the MVEs performance fail to improve despite this drastic step of the government. He stressed upon the MVEs to perform their duties with honesty and free mind and do not succumb to any pressure so that the prevailing negative impression about them could be eliminated. He told them that his government would extend all out support to them and added that no crook would be supported in this respect.

            The Transport Minister announced that establishment of a latest computerized vehicle fitness testing centre has already been approved and all other parts of the province would also be given this facility with the passage of time. This system would not only help end the unfit vehicles but would also mitigate the increasing number of accidents on the road.

            Taking notice of the fake vehicle fitness certificates, the Minister categorically directed that all those officials who involved in this illegal act should be suspended immediately and brought to book. He directed that no route permit should be renewed or issued without the verification of MVEs.