Police Give Students One Week to Get Motorcycle Licenses Under New Traffic Policy

Multan’s top police officials have directed school and college students to obtain motorcycle licenses and helmets within one week, following Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s new policy that bars the arrest of minors for traffic violations. The decision aims to enforce road safety without subjecting students to harsh penalties.

After videos of minors being handcuffed sparked criticism, CM Maryam Nawaz instructed police to stop arresting underage riders and instead guide them toward responsible driving. In response, CPO Sadiq Dogar and CTO Kashif Aslam held a joint press briefing in Multan to announce immediate measures.

CPO Dogar said the police had started an awareness campaign to help young riders comply with updated traffic laws. He also confirmed extended operating hours at licensing centers so students can apply for licenses

“late into the evening without any difficulty.”

CTO Kashif Aslam highlighted that the Punjab government has recently amended traffic laws with increased fines and stricter penalties. He urged all citizens, especially young riders, to follow the rules to avoid legal trouble.

He added that the awareness initiative seeks to

“guide students toward safer road behavior rather than punish them,” emphasizing education over enforcement.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz earlier expressed strong displeasure after seeing footage of minors being handcuffed for traffic violations. She instructed the police to stop arrests of students and appealed to parents to play a responsible role in promoting traffic discipline at home.