LAHORE: CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz has directed the traffic police to stop handcuffing school and college students during enforcement actions. She also instructed officials not to treat minors as criminals or register FIRs against them, DAWN reported.
Viral Videos Spark Backlash
The directive came after videos circulated on social media, showing underage boys being escorted to court in handcuffs. The footage sparked widespread criticism from parents and legal experts, who warned that criminal proceedings could seriously damage the students’ education and future opportunities.
An official told Dawn that the Chief Minister was visibly upset upon seeing the treatment of young students and clearly directed police not to harass children. Traffic Police has registered 4600 cases and arrested 3100 over violations in the last 72 hours.
New Orders: Parents to Be Held Accountable
Following the CM’s intervention, Punjab’s Additional IG Traffic issued province-wide orders. Under the new policy, minors caught riding motorcycles or driving vehicles will no longer be arrested. Instead, legal responsibility will shift to their parents or guardians.
This marks a shift in the province’s approach to traffic enforcement. While Maryam Nawaz has previously endorsed strict implementation of traffic laws, the latest move underscores a focus on safeguarding students from harsh legal consequences.
Enforcement on Police Officers, Too
Traffic laws were also enforced on police personnel. Over the last 72 hours, Lahore police reportedly impounded 149 vehicles belonging to officers with unpaid e-challans. These vehicles were released only after the fines were settled.
Takeaway for Parents and Policymakers
The Chief Minister’s directive signals a shift toward holding guardians accountable rather than punitive action against minors. While public handcuffing may stop, the core message remains: underage driving won’t be tolerated. Parents, not children, will now face the legal consequences, and officials hint that broader enforcement reforms may follow.
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