LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has reportedly intervened in the province-wide traffic crackdown, expressing displeasure over the criminalisation of school and college students. She instructed the traffic police that no underage children or students should be handcuffed or harassed during enforcement operations.
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Sources said the CM emphasised that the crackdown should target responsible adults rather than minors, highlighting concerns over the long-term impact of FIRs on students’ future careers. Critics compared the arrests to past controversies, warning that criminal records could follow the youngsters for years.
Punjab, under CM Maryam, cracks down decisively on underage driving and traffic rule violations, prioritizing public safety and order. pic.twitter.com/oCeZksx20b
— Mrr Bilal (@Bilal__Vogue) November 28, 2025
Officials revealed that Monday witnessed chaotic scenes at district courts across Punjab, where students were produced before magistrates. Parents and lawyers gathered in large numbers to secure bail, confronting traffic police over what they called “extremely ruthless” treatment of children. Viral videos of the incidents sparked widespread public debate and outrage on social media.
Following the CM’s instructions, Additional IG Traffic Police Punjab Waqas Nazeer directed officers to stop detaining students. Instead, enforcement actions will now focus on parents or caretakers who allowed minors to ride motorbikes or vehicles, while still maintaining the traffic law crackdown.
Meanwhile, the City Traffic Police Lahore intensified checks against police personnel themselves. A spokesperson said 149 vehicles belonging to traffic officers were impounded over the past 72 hours for violating traffic rules, sending a message that accountability applies to all.
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Lawyers and officials welcomed the CM’s decision, calling for alternative disciplinary measures to instil traffic awareness in children without jeopardising their future. They stressed that education and parental supervision should be the focus, rather than criminal penalties for minors.