Lahore: Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddique Kamyana has ordered a citywide crackdown on the notorious “Dala Culture” — a growing trend involving heavily modified Toyota Hilux Revo and Vigo pickups used for reckless driving, intimidation, and public displays of power.
The order was made during a high-level meeting attended by DIGs, SSPs, SPs, ASPs, and SHOs of Civil Lines and Model Town divisions. At this meeting, the CCPO directed DIG (Operations) to take immediate and uncompromising action against those involved in promoting this culture through social media videos, rallies, and armed processions.
Kamyana emphasized that public roads are not private rally tracks and said that “any vehicle used to spread fear, display weapons, or obstruct public movement will be seized on the spot.”
What Is ‘Dala Culture’?
The term “Dala” — slang for Toyota Hilux Revo or Vigo pickups — has become synonymous with influencer-led vehicle flaunting, often involving tinted windows, illegal modifications, pressure horns, LED light bars like police, and armed guards hanging from the rear.
Recent viral videos have shown youths and private guards waving weapons while driving through Lahore’s Gulberg, DHA, and Johar Town areas in customized Revos. These clips sparked public outrage and prompted calls for stricter enforcement of motor vehicle laws.
Instances reported include:
- A Revo convoy blocking Main Boulevard Gulberg during a late-night birthday rally in September.
- A video of gunfire in DHA Phase 5 allegedly linked to a “Dala gang” event.
- Multiple complaints from residents about noise pollution and reckless driving in Model Town and Faisal Town.
Strict Enforcement Planned
The CCPO ordered enhanced patrolling in key hotspots — Gulberg, DHA, Model Town, and Canal Road — and directed police to use Hotel Eye surveillance software to trace vehicles involved in weapon displays or social media uploads glorifying such acts.
Police teams have also been instructed to coordinate with Excise & Taxation for registration verification, check illegal modifications, and fine drivers under Section 97 of the Motor Vehicle Ordinance for reckless driving or unauthorized alterations.
Kamyana reiterated that no one is above the law, adding, “We will not allow social media clout or VIP behavior to compromise public safety.”
Background
‘Dala Culture’ has been under scrutiny before. Earlier this year, police impounded several modified pickups from Johar Town and DHA following viral TikTok clips of stunt driving. Despite repeated warnings, the trend resurged — prompting this fresh, more coordinated crackdown.
The move comes amid Lahore Police’s broader campaign to restore order on public roads, which includes actions against illegal racing, underage driving, and weapon displays.
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