Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered an immediate halt to handcuffing students over traffic violations, expressing concern over minors being restrained by police during routine checks.
In a major policy shift, the Chief Minister approved issuing smart cards and motorcycle driving licenses to 16-year-olds, creating a legal and structured pathway for young riders across Punjab.
She directed the Punjab traffic police to launch a province-wide awareness campaign to educate students and the public on road safety, emphasizing preventive measures rather than punitive actions for first-time helmet violations.
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Modern enforcement technology will now be deployed, including drones and body-worn cameras, allowing police to monitor traffic more effectively while ensuring respectful interactions with citizens and upholding public dignity.
Maryam Nawaz highlighted that traffic rules exist to protect lives and urged parents and adults to teach children responsible road behavior, stressing that safety and awareness are more important than fear-based enforcement.
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Officials reported that 2,445 police vehicles were found violating traffic rules themselves, and appropriate action was taken, reinforcing the Chief Minister’s commitment to fair enforcement and accountability at all levels