LAHORE – Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has denied reports suggesting that FIRs would not be registered against students who violate traffic laws.
The minister clarified that no such statement had been made by him, calling the news inaccurate.
In a statement, Rana Sikandar Hayat emphasized that abiding by traffic laws is the responsibility of every citizen, including students. He further stressed that no one is above the law and urged all students to follow traffic regulations for their own safety.
Minister Hayat acknowledged the challenges faced by students but highlighted that their lives are valuable.
He advised students to make appropriate arrangements for transportation that comply with the law, reinforcing that there would be no tolerance for violations.
Meanwhile, Punjab has entered a new era of traffic management as the provincial government approved 20 major reforms to modernize the six-decade-old traffic laws, aiming to make road travel safer and more efficient.
In a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, officials finalized the framework for a modern traffic system, road safety measures, and overall traffic discipline across the province. The session reviewed reports on helmet enforcement, rooftop passenger violations, and other traffic offences.
Under the new reforms, any vehicle repeatedly fined for traffic violations will be impounded and auctioned, while government vehicles will no longer enjoy exemption from penalties and will face heavy fines for violations.
To curb wrong-way driving, the province has announced a 30-day deadline to eliminate one-way violations. U-turns across major roads will undergo re-modeling to ensure smoother and safer traffic flow.
The meeting also agreed that families of those who die in traffic accidents will receive immediate compensation (diyat). Additionally, marriage halls will be required to arrange proper parking facilities, failing which they will not be allowed to operate.
A decisive crackdown will target underage driving, with penalties including up to six months’ imprisonment for the vehicle owner. A province-wide ban has also been imposed on passengers traveling on bus rooftops, along with strict orders for enforcement.
To improve traffic flow and enhance public safety, Chingchi rickshaws have been completely banned on five model roads in Lahore.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has issued a 30-day deadline to significantly improve Lahore’s traffic situation, warning the traffic police that this is their “last chance” to deliver.
“If they fail, we will have to establish a new department,” the chief minister cautioned.
