ISLAMABAD: The federal government has extended the deadline for the mandatory installation of M-Tags on vehicles in Islamabad by 15 days, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Wednesday, providing temporary relief to motorists who have yet to comply with the requirement.
Speaking to the media at the newly constructed Shaheen Chowk underpass, the interior minister said the extension was granted on the request of State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry. He added that the decision was taken in view of public convenience, as a large number of vehicle owners were still in the process of obtaining the electronic tags.
Earlier, the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration had announced that vehicles without M-Tags would not be allowed to enter the federal capital from January 1 as part of enhanced security measures. With the extension, enforcement action will now begin after January 15.
According to officials, vehicles without M-Tags will be identified using electronic tag readers installed at major entry points and security checkpoints across the city. Once enforcement begins, such vehicles may face restrictions or penalties under the new system.
The ICT administration has set up 16 M-Tag facilitation points at various locations in Islamabad to facilitate vehicle owners. Officials said that since November 14, nearly 100,000 vehicles had been issued M-Tags by December 29, but thousands of vehicles still remain unregistered under the system.
The M-Tag is a prepaid electronic sticker that enables motorists to use designated fast lanes and a cashless tolling system, helping reduce congestion and improve traffic flow. Earlier this year, the National Highways Authority (NHA) also made M-Tags mandatory on motorways and introduced a 25 per cent additional toll charge for vehicles without M-Tags to encourage compliance. Each M-Tag is issued at a cost of Rs250.
Since November 14, nearly 100,000 vehicles had been issued M-Tags by December 29.https://t.co/ovYPKW9Lak
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) January 1, 2026
The same technology is now being deployed in Islamabad not only for traffic management but also as part of broader security initiatives. During his media interaction, Mr Naqvi said the Capital Smart City Project, under which various civic and emergency services will be integrated into a centralised system, is expected to be completed in 2026.
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He said the project aims to link services such as Rescue 1122, traffic management, security surveillance and Capital Development Authority (CDA) operations through modern technology to improve response times and coordination.
The interior minister also said that the Safe City Project would be completed in 2026. He recently visited the Safe City headquarters, where he reviewed public safety measures, modern surveillance systems and operations at the Special Chinese Desk in the control room.
Mr Naqvi said the scope of the Capital Smart City initiative would eventually be expanded nationwide, adding that Islamabad would serve as a model for other cities. He emphasised that effective use of technology and reforms in security operations were essential to making the capital safer and more efficient.
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