Students Get Relief Amid Crackdown on Traffic Violations in Punjab

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has reportedly directed Punjab’s traffic police to stop arresting school and college students during the ongoing crackdown on traffic violations. She expressed strong displeasure over what she viewed as the criminalisation of children and instructed officers not to handcuff or harass minors.

According to officials familiar with the matter, troubling scenes unfolded in district courts across the province on Monday, where underage riders were brought in for processing as their parents and lawyers rushed to secure bail.

Families criticized the traffic police for what they described as a harsh and unnecessary operation against children, warning that a criminal record could damage the students’ future employment prospects.

Several lawyers speaking outside the courts urged the government to adopt alternative disciplinary measures and avoid treating students as criminals.

Following the chief minister’s orders, Additional IG Traffic Police Punjab Waqas Nazeer instructed officers across the province to immediately stop arresting students. He directed them to take action against parents or guardians who allow minors to ride motorcycles or drive vehicles in violation of the law.

Meanwhile, City Traffic Police Lahore said it has intensified action against its own personnel who violate traffic rules. A spokesperson reported that 149 motorcycles and vehicles belonging to police officials were impounded in the past 72 hours for unpaid e challans. The vehicles were released only after the officers paid their fines.

Via: Dawn