21 August 2004	Saturday	04 Rajab 1425

LAHORE, Aug 20: District Nazim Mian Amer Mahmood on Friday ordered a crackdown on motorcycle races and reckless riding in the provincial metropolis.

The Nazim directed the police to arrest the youngsters found racing motorcycles or doing a wheelie on charges of endangering their lives and those of others.

Mian Amer said more than 15 youngsters had lost their lives and scores were injured on the independence day due to failure of the police to stop the suicidal sport and negligence of the parents. Their lives could have been saved if the police had stopped them from doing so.

He said intervention of the City District Government had become necessary for stopping the suicidal sport because those engaged in it were risking their lives and threatening the safety of others. The CDG would control it in the same manner as it stopped kite-flying when it was transformed from a pastime into a murderous sport.

The Nazim issued orders for launching the campaign after visiting the Jinnah Hospital to inquire about the health of Shoaib, injured while doing a wheelie on the independence day. He gave Rs20,000 to the parents for his treatment. He also visited the house of Irfan, killed while doing a wheelie, and gave Rs50,000 to his parents.