By Abdul Samad Tariq
ISLAMABAD, Feb 25 (APP):The government’s decision to make M-Tag registration mandatory for motorcycles in Islamabad has drawn mixed reactions from riders, with several citizens raising concerns about policy clarity, financial implications and the security rationale behind the measure.
Authorities have set up 13 registration points across the capital where motorcyclists can obtain M-Tags, a system previously introduced mainly for cars to facilitate toll payments and vehicle tracking.
Officials told APP that extending the system to motorcycles is aimed at improving security monitoring and strengthening vehicle record management.
However, several riders visiting registration centres said key aspects of the policy remain unclear.
Many questioned whether toll charges would be deducted automatically for motorcycles and said clearer operational guidelines were needed.
Mahwish Fakhar, a motorcycle owner at Malpur M-Tag registration centre, said the policy was being presented as a security measure, but its practical implications had not been fully explained.
She expressed concern that installation could require alterations to motorcycles, potentially affecting resale value.
“If I have to modify a motorcycle worth around Rs 400,000 and later sell it, even minor changes could reduce its value,” she said, adding that the Rs250 installation fee could have been incorporated into existing excise charges.
Another rider, Hamza Abbasi, highlighted procedural hurdles, noting that M-Tags were being issued only in the presence of the registered owner.
He said this posed difficulties for people using motorcycles registered under relatives’ names or owned by family members living abroad.
“They are asking us to first transfer ownership before getting the tag, which can be complicated,” he said.
Some citizens also questioned the added security benefit of the initiative.
Khawaja Asif pointed out that routine police checks at Islamabad entry points already involve verification of identity cards, driving licences and vehicle documents.
“If these checks are already in place, what additional benefit will the M-Tag provide?” he asked.
Ijaz Haider said that while the usefulness of M-Tags for cars — particularly for toll plazas and entry monitoring — was understandable, its relevance for motorcycles remained unclear.
He also expressed concern about the physical security of the tag, noting that motorcycles lack enclosed spaces where tags can be safely installed.
Responding to these concerns, Wajahat Ali, manager of an M-Tag registration centre, told APP tags were issued only if motorcycles had original number plates, complete documentation and the registered owner present.
He acknowledged that many motorcycles either had non-original plates or had not been formally transferred to current users, which was creating delays in issuance.
Officials maintain that the initiative is intended to streamline documentation, improve traceability of vehicles and assist law enforcement agencies.
However, they acknowledge that public awareness and compliance with documentation requirements remain key challenges.
As the rollout continues, riders say clearer communication from authorities on costs, security benefits and operational details will be crucial for broader public acceptance of the policy.
Until then, the mandatory M-Tag requirement for motorcycles is likely to remain a subject of debate among Islamabad’s large community of two-wheel commuters.