LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed the provincial traffic police to stop arresting and handcuffing school- and college-going Young Traffic Violators during the ongoing province-wide crackdown on traffic rule violations, after strong criticism over the criminalisation of minors.
According to official sources, the chief minister expressed displeasure over the treatment of young violators and instructed authorities that “no student or underage child will be handcuffed”. She also cautioned traffic officials against harassing minors during enforcement drives.
The move followed widespread public backlash after videos circulated on social media showing teenagers being taken to district courts across Punjab on Monday. Several families confronted traffic police officials, accusing them of running a “ruthless operation” that could damage students’ futures due to FIRs and criminal records.
Lawyers outside the courts also urged the government to adopt non-criminal disciplinary measures, warning that FIRs against students could carry long-term consequences when applying for government or private sector jobs.
Action to target parents, not minors
Responding to the chief minister’s directives, Additional IG Traffic Punjab Waqas Nazeer ordered officers across the province to immediately halt arrests of underage drivers. Instead, traffic police have been instructed to take action against parents or guardians who allow children to operate motorcycles or other vehicles.
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The decision marks a shift in the enforcement strategy, which had previously seen minors detained for driving without licences, helmets or registration papers.
Crackdown on police violators intensifies
Meanwhile, Lahore’s City Traffic Police said it has continued its crackdown on traffic violations committed by police officials themselves.
A spokesperson reported that 149 motorbikes and vehicles belonging to police personnel were impounded over the past 72 hours for non-payment of e-challans. These were released only after the fines were paid.
Many lawyers called for alternative disciplinary measures and stricter policies to prevent the ‘criminalisation’ of students.https://t.co/eUwT85Ua5M
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) December 2, 2025
The contrasting actions — leniency toward young civilians and stricter enforcement for police staff — come as the Punjab government seeks to balance road safety with public concerns over excessive policing of minors.
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