ISLAMABAD – Authorities have announced a 15-day extension for vehicle owners to install M-Tags. After the extended deadline, vehicles without the tags will not be allowed entry into Islamabad.
The extension was confirmed by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi during the inauguration of the Shaheen Chowk underpass. He mentioned that the request for the extension came from State Minister for Interior Tallal Chaudhry.
Naqvi also provided an update on the Smart City Project, which is scheduled for completion in 2026. The project aims to centralize services such as Rescue 1122, traffic control, security operations, and Capital Development Authority (CDA) services under one unified system.
Initially, authorities had announced that vehicles without M-Tags would be barred from entering the city starting January 1, 2026, as part of enhanced security measures. To facilitate tag issuance, the ICT administration set up 16 points across Islamabad. Nearly 100,000 M-Tags have been issued between November 14 and December 29.
From January 15 onward, vehicles without M-Tags will be tracked by tag readers installed at key entry points and checkpoints. Authorities have warned that violators may face fines.
The M-Tag system was originally introduced by the National Highways Authority (NHA) for motorway toll payments. It allows cashless transactions, faster lane access, and eliminates long waiting queues at tolls. Its integration into Islamabad aims to enhance city security and traffic management.
M-Tags in Islamabad are available for Rs250. Authorities have urged vehicle owners to obtain them before the final deadline to avoid penalties. The ICT administration continues to monitor the distribution and ensure smooth implementation of the system across the capital.
Officials said the extension is meant to give vehicle owners sufficient time to comply while ensuring security measures remain effective. Citizens are encouraged to register for M-Tags promptly to avoid inconvenience at city entry points.
In other news read more about Murree Expressway Closed Amid Heavy Snowfall, Travel Disrupted
The M-Tag system is expected to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and support the city’s broader modernization and security initiatives under the Smart City framework.
