LAHORE (MNN); The Punjab chief minister’s office announced on Tuesday that the provincial government has, in principle, agreed to issue motorcycle licences and smart cards to 16-year-olds. The decision comes after a province-wide crackdown by traffic police sparked widespread concern.
The enforcement drive led to more than 4,600 cases being registered and around 3,100 people arrested over the past 72 hours, many of them schoolchildren, creating criminal records for most of those detained. The move drew strong criticism from parents, who said the government was unfairly criminalising minors and warned of long-term damage to their future careers.
According to an official statement, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed displeasure over the handcuffing of underage violators. The statement noted that an agreement had been reached to begin issuing smart cards and motorcycle licences to 16-year-old riders. It added that traffic police would organise an awareness week for the public, with a special focus on students.
For first-time helmet violations, motorcyclists will now receive only a warning. The police will also start using drones and body-worn cameras for monitoring, a first for the provincial traffic system.
The chief minister stressed that parents must take greater responsibility in ensuring adherence to traffic rules, saying the regulations exist for public protection. She added that her intention was not to have children arrested, but insisted that the law must be followed.
She remarked that the real issue lies in the lack of awareness, noting that society has not properly taught children the importance of wearing helmets. She urged parents to educate their children about road safety.
The provincial administration last week introduced 20 major reforms to the decades-old Traffic Act aimed at improving traffic management, including a strict action plan against underage driving, which carries a potential penalty of up to six months in jail.
