LHC orders stern action against underage drivers

E-Paper | April 29, 2026

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Wednesday directed traffic police to take stern action against underage drivers and seek undertaking from their parents before releasing the violators.

Justice Ali Akbar Qureshi directed the police to take action against parents of the underage drivers in case of repeated violations.

The judge was hearing a petition highlighting a drastic increase in road accidents due to non-compliance of traffic rules and plying of motorbikes and motorcycle-rickshaw in the city. Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) retired Capt Liaqat was present in the court.

The judge directed the CTO to strictly implement traffic laws and show no leniency towards underage drivers. He directed the CTO to seek affidavits from parents of underage drivers, if caught, at first instance and in case of subsequent violation the parents would be required to submit surety bonds along with final warning.

Directs action against parents in case of repeated violations

Justice Qureshi reiterated his direction to the CTO for running an awareness campaign in the city to motivate bike riders to wear helmets. The judge observed that in Bangladesh people riding bikes without helmet were not entertained at petrol pumps.

He also directed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to run a campaign on television channels to create awareness about traffic laws among the masses.

During the hearing, Justice Qureshi observed that the roads of the city and traffic signals in particular were overcrowded with professional beggars. He summoned director general of social welfare department to explain the situation on next hearing.

In a separate matter, the judge directed the Auqaf department to launch its operation against illegal compounds in Mian Mir graveyard from Friday (tomorrow) and file a compliance report after a week.

Meanwhile, Justice Qureshi directed an officer of communication and works department to personally inspect condition of some buildings on The Mall as there were reports about cracks after demolition of illegal structures.

The judge separately sought a report from the archaeology department about number of historical buildings in the entire city and their condition.

The judge will resume hearing on Thursday (today).

Published in Dawn, September 13th, 2018

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Be honest

Sep 13, 2018 09:46am

LHC should order transport and police departments to advertise "follow traffic rules and avoid violations" program for public awareness on TV channels. It is important to teach drivers to remain on slow lanes, unless overtake; motor bikes and slow moving vehicles such as trucks and buses must run on slow lane only. No signal violation. The government should introduce points systems, which are normally 12 points in 2 years. If all deducted against type of violations within 2 years, driver's license should be suspended for 3 to 6 six months. It is not to penalize drivers, but to make them cautious about consequences. Speed cameras should be installed on high ways and GT roads to catch speeding. Speed camera detectors software will help to send automated fixed penalties to drivers' home address for traffic offences. Must buy technology to save lives.

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Socrates

Sep 13, 2018 11:07am

The government is leaving everything to the courts to pass orders in routine matters. Driving by underage people falls in this category. In all countries of the world, it is illegal for underage people to drive, here it is not followed at all. In Islamabad, I have seen children driving cars riding motorcycles under the very nose of capital police. Parents unfortunately take a great deal of pride in seeing their underage children driving or riding. Islamabad police is requested to take strict action against underage drivers at the earliest.

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Leoman

Sep 13, 2018 11:26am

Probably, out of main signs of a civilised nation, the observance of traffic laws is the most important. Unfortunately, Pakistan has a very alarming rate of negligence in this regard. The order issued by Court must be implemented at any cost. Traffic laws must be included in the syllabus of schools and colleges. Traffic police must be strict and highly trained and the punishment system for the violaters must be much more strict.

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Apache

Sep 13, 2018 11:40am

Excellent decision! These underage drivers are the main causes of daily accidents which put other drivers life in danger too! Strict action needed to stop them!

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