M-tag just for Rs250: Mohsin Naqvi leads campaign to make Islamabad safe

In a major step toward enhancing security across the capital, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday launched a large-scale campaign to install M-tags on vehicles and motorcycles in Islamabad — and officials say the biggest incentive for citizens is the remarkably low fee of just Rs250.

On the minister’s instructions, excise teams set up M-tag facilities across the city, drawing an overwhelming response from residents. Long queues were seen at installation points, especially in popular public spaces such as Kuchnar Park, Jasmine Park, Lake View Park, Gulberg Green and DHA, as citizens rushed to secure the low-cost tags.

The Islamabad excise director said the move was aimed at ensuring foolproof monitoring to curb crime and terrorism, adding that the M-tag will serve as a “third number plate”, a concept introduced by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi himself. To accommodate rising demand, authorities have decided to increase the number of excise teams and are extending M-tag services to Islamabad Traffic Police offices as well.

Excise officials reassured the public that vehicles already equipped with M-tags do not need replacements. Only basic vehicle documents are required for installation, making the process quick and accessible. Plans are also underway — in collaboration with the FDO — to begin issuing M-tags for motorcycles soon.

With 1.4 million vehicles registered in the capital, the low fee of Rs 250 is expected to encourage widespread compliance. While no deadline has yet been set for entering Islamabad without an M-tag, officials emphasized that the campaign will be completed first — after which M-tag–free entry will be restricted.

Residents say the affordable price and easy access to installation points have made the initiative one of the most citizen-friendly security measures introduced in recent years.