A Pleasant Surprise at Clifton Driving License Centre: Efficient Service in Karachi

Karachiites are often quick to criticize authorities—complaining about power outages, water and gas shortages, high taxes, poor roads, corruption, and uncourteous behavior. Yet, a recent visit to the Sindh Police Driving License Centre in Clifton offered me a rare moment of pride and amazement.

When I noticed that my driving license was about to expire, I dreaded the long, tedious process ahead. My previous encounters with government offices had always been cumbersome, crowded, and frustrating. Still, the risk of driving with an expired license in a city teeming with over four million motorcycles and seven million cars forced me to visit the Clifton office the next day.

Arriving at around 10 a.m., I found the area near Zamzama Park carefully monitored, with limited parking options. I finally parked near a fruit cart and entered the facility, bracing myself for chaos. Surprisingly, the hall was already filled with people, mostly men in casual, often scruffy attire, and a few women attended at counters by well-dressed traffic police officers.

I immediately noticed a senior officer at a small desk, smartly uniformed, beret on head, and a service weapon at his side. To my astonishment, he approached us politely, offered guidance, and suggested returning the next day for faster service. Such courtesy and attentiveness were unexpected.

Returning the following morning at 8:30 a.m., I was greeted by a few early arrivals outside the still-closed gate. Following their advice, I entered and was seated in the open-air corridor of the Ghulam Nabi Memon Hall. Shortly after, a small formation of traffic police assembled for the morning ritual, reciting a short passage from the Quran before heading to their respective desks.

Inside the clean, spacious hall, a policewoman directed us to sit and wait. Service began promptly as counters were manned by polite and efficient officers. Within minutes, my expired license and CNIC were processed, followed by payment at the bank counter. Despite the banker’s late arrival, the process continued smoothly, aided by the attentive officer overseeing the hall.

Next came the photograph and medical/eyesight counters, all handled swiftly and courteously. At the final counter, my documents were stamped, and I was informed that my renewed license would be delivered to my home within four to six days.

The entire process took less than 30 minutes—without any stress, bribery, or bureaucratic delays. I left the centre impressed by the professionalism, cleanliness, and efficiency of the Sindh Police team. This experience was a refreshing reminder that, with the right leadership and management, Pakistani institutions are capable of providing world-class service.