Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved sweeping traffic reforms, warning that vehicles repeatedly issued challans will now be auctioned. The decision came on Friday during a detailed meeting on road safety, traffic management, and the restructuring of Punjab’s traffic system.  The meeting further decided that government vehicles violating traffic laws will also face heavy fines, with no exemptions allowed.  Maryam Nawaz set a strict 30-day deadline for noticeable improvement in Lahore’s traffic flow.

She stressed that traffic issues must be addressed across all cities, not just the provincial capital.  A comprehensive briefing was given on modern traffic systems, road safety planning, challan data for helmets, rooftop riding, and other violations. Officials highlighted ongoing problems, prompting the chief minister to warn the traffic police that this was their final chance.  Crackdown on underage driving, rooftop riding, overspeeding  The chief minister ordered a province-wide crackdown on underage driving.

In such cases, vehicle owners could face imprisonment for up to six months.  She also directed authorities to eliminate the dangerous practice of riding on bus roofs across Punjab. Furthermore, she warned that any vehicle reaching another city at high speed will face strict action.  To improve Lahore’s traffic flow, the meeting approved a complete ban on rickshaws on five model roads in the city. Officials will also remodel U-turns across Punjab to make roads safer and more orderly.

Marriage halls must provide parking  Another major decision was related to parking management. The meeting resolved that marriage halls without proper parking facilities will not be allowed to operate. “If there is no proper parking, there will be no marriage hall,” the chief minister declared.  The meeting approved immediate provision of diyat (compensation) to families of those killed in road accidents, ensuring timely relief for affected households. 

Maryam Nawaz emphasized that enforcement must be uniform: “There should be no discrimination; everyone will have to pay a fine for violation,” she stated.   She also expressed deep concern over worsening traffic discipline: “Everything has been fixed but traffic is getting worse. Continuous violations weaken the state’s writ.” 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)