Senate IT Committee Criticizes Plan to Install M-Tags on Motorcycles in Islamabad

Islamabad

Pakistan’s Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication on Wednesday criticized the district administration’s plan to install M-Tags on motorcycles in Islamabad, with lawmakers raising concerns over security risks and practical challenges.

During the meeting, Senator Kamran Murtaza strongly questioned the policy, saying the move could create more problems than solutions.

“The way M-Tags are being installed on motorcycles has disrupted the entire city,” he said, warning that the system could lead to unintended security loopholes.

Senator Talha Mahmood also voiced concerns, noting that a large number of M-Tags were reportedly being stolen from motorcycles, which could potentially create further complications.

“If an M-Tag-enabled motorcycle is purchased by a terrorist, what would happen then?” Kamran Murtaza asked, adding that such a vehicle could pass through security checkpoints without raising suspicion.

“A terrorist could easily reach sensitive locations while riding a motorcycle with an M-Tag and bypass security barriers,” he warned.

Responding to the concerns, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Islamabad told the committee that no formal complaints regarding M-Tag theft had been reported so far.

He also referred to the recent terrorist attack at the Islamabad Judicial Complex, saying the attacker had arrived on a motorcycle, underscoring the need to improve monitoring of such vehicles.

Senator Sadia Abbasi suggested that authorities conduct a comprehensive and logical study of the M-Tag initiative before implementing it on a wider scale.

The committee emphasized the need for careful evaluation of the system to ensure it strengthens security rather than creating new vulnerabilities.