2 min read
Punjab has taken a major policy shift as the government approves the issuance of motorcycle licenses and smart cards to 16 year olds, a move announced after intense public reaction to the recent traffic crackdown involving thousands of minors.
The decision comes days after Punjab’s traffic enforcement drive resulted in over 4,600 cases and nearly 3,100 arrests in just 72 hours, many involving school students. Parents strongly objected to minors being detained, calling the campaign excessive and potentially damaging to children’s futures.
Government’s Decision & New Measures
The Punjab Chief Minister’s Office confirmed the change, noting that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif was displeased with minors being handcuffed for traffic offenses.
In the official statement, it was said,
“The goal is not to arrest minors; it is to ensure they learn and follow traffic laws with proper guidance.”
Under the revised plan, the government will begin issuing motorcycle licenses and smart cards to 16 year olds. Traffic police will also launch an awareness week targeting young riders and school students.
Authorities added that first time helmet violators will now receive warnings instead of fines. To improve transparency, enforcement teams will use drones and body cameras for the first time across Punjab.
CM Maryam Nawaz emphasized that parents must take responsibility for educating their children about traffic rules, saying many minors were never properly taught the importance of helmets and road safety.
