LAHORE: A scooter rally was held here on Thursday, with women students from the University of Central Punjab (UCP) riding the two-wheelers as part of “Ride with Pride” campaign.

The rally was led by Zenith Irfan, the ‘motorcycle girl’ of Pakistan.

The UCP bought 10 scooters in its first batch and distributed these free to women students who can now book these as this has been convenient for them. In order to ensure the security of these students, the scooters have been issued with a proper tracking system and a helmet.

The campaign by the UCP aims to empower and encourage young women to commute easily and independently, making this an exemplary initiative for all women who face mobility issues.

A session by the Punjab CTO and Zenith Irfan was held. The institution expressed its gratitude for the traffic police.

CTO Liaquat Malik applauded the university’s efforts and said it was important that girls must be empowered. He expressed how this was an initiative that should be promoted and replicated by other educational institutions.

He explained the role of the traffic police in ensuring the safety of all women on the road.

He urged everyone, especially students, to follow traffic rules so unpleasant incidents may be avoided.

Zenith Irfan gave a message of courage and hope and applauded the vision behind the campaign. She thanked the city traffic police for their services in helping out with training the girls.

After the sessions, UCP’s women students took to the street in their pink scooters.

Published in Dawn, January 31st, 2020