By Hafiz Rahat Usama 
CM Maryam Nawaz Approves Smart Cards for 16-Year-Old Riders
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced a new policy allowing 16-year-olds to obtain smart cards and motorcycle driving licenses. In a significant shift, she has also banned the arrest of minors for traffic violations, emphasizing awareness over punishment for first-time offenders.
The decision comes after Lahore High Court Chief Justice Alia Neelum intervened to stop the arrest of underage drivers, urging authorities to prioritize education campaigns before taking legal action. Under the new system, minor violations like not wearing a helmet will result in a warning instead of a fine.
Traffic Police to Use Drones and Body Cameras for Monitoring
For the first time, Punjab’s traffic police will deploy drones and body cameras to monitor road activity, ensuring transparency and accountability in enforcement. The government plans to launch public awareness programs, particularly targeting students, to promote road safety habits from an early age.
CM Maryam Nawaz stressed that parents must play an active role in educating their children about traffic laws. “We don’t want to punish innocent children, but following the law is important. It’s parents’ duty to instill the habit of wearing helmets and observing traffic rules,” she stated.
Balancing Safety and Protection for Young Riders
The new policy aims to reduce unnecessary harassment of minors while encouraging responsible driving behavior. Traffic police have been instructed to treat citizens respectfully, avoiding misconduct or rude behavior during enforcement.
This move is seen as a progressive step toward road safety reform, ensuring that young riders are educated rather than penalized for minor infractions.