MINGORA: Swat police have impounded over 100 motorcycles during a crackdown to curb underage driving on the local roads. The district-wide crackdown was launched keeping in view the increasing number of deaths of minor bikers in accidents.

According to Swat police record, from January to September this year over 50 persons, majority of them minors, were killed in accidents involving motorcycles. Civil society members had also demanded of the police to take effective steps against underage driving in the district.

Talking to mediapersons, district police officer Syed Ashfaq Anwar said that over 200 motorcycles were temporarily seized by the police from minors in the crackdown.

“The motorcycles will not be handed them back until their fathers come and sign affidavit stating that they would not allow their minor sons to ride motorbike,” he said and added that fathers of 129 underage bikers had already submitted such affidavits.

He urged parents not to buy motorcycles for their minor children. “I appeal them not to allow their young children drive motorcycles and save their lives and future,” he said.

The civil society members appreciated the move and said that the number of minor bikers had increased on the roads.

“Motorcycle-related accidents occur frequently these days and majority of the casualties include that of minor boys. It is the responsibility of parents as well as police to play role in stopping the young boys from driving motorcycles and control the accidents,” said Itbar Gul, a civil society member in Mingora.

“During the last few months over 20 young boys died in motorcycle-related accidents,” said Dr Rahmat Ali of Saidu Teaching Hospital. The residents also demanded of the police to take action against one-wheeling stunts of motorcyclists on the Shamozo and bypass roads on Fridays and Sundays.

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2018