LAHORE: The city traffic police have launched a special awareness campaign to promote public awareness about providing a clear passage to emergency vehicles.

The campaign, titled “Give Way to Ambulances Because the First Right is the Right to Life,” launched on the directions of Lahore Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Syed Abdul Raheem Shirazi, aims to encourage people to immediately give way to ambulances and other emergency vehicles upon hearing siren so that critically ill and injured patients could receive timely medical assistance.

According to a spokesperson, the CTO directed traffic wardens to ensure that routes for ambulances and other emergency vehicles remain clear at all times and that their movement is facilitated through a signal-free passage, wherever possible.

Mr Shirazi urged people to demonstrate responsible civic behaviour by giving priority to emergency vehicles on roads. He said that timely clearance of routes for ambulances could help save precious human lives.

The CTO also directed ambulance drivers to avoid the unnecessary use of siren and hooter, and to use them only in case of genuine emergency situations.

Meanwhile, the CTO visited the surroundings of various hospitals to review traffic arrangements. During the visit, wrong parking outside the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) was removed, while circle officers were directed to regularly monitor and improve traffic management around hospitals.

He emphasised that no encroachments, handcarts or unnecessary rickshaw stands should be allowed in front of hospital emergency gates to ensure smooth movement of ambulances and other emergency vehicles without any obstruction.

Published in Dawn, June 9th, 2026