Punjab CM moves to rein in traffic chaos across Punjab

• Chief minister orders major roads to be turned into model traffic corridors in Lahore and other cities

• Announces zero-tolerance for one-way violations and roadside parking, Zigzag driving motorcycles to be impounded for three days

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Saturday expressed concern over unregulated traffic trends and set a clear target to ensure strict lane discipline across major cities, including Lahore.

Chairing a special meeting on traffic management, the chief minister directed authorities to transform major roads into model traffic corridors and ensure immediate, visible improvements in the provincial traffic system.

She ordered strict enforcement of lane and line discipline, removal of roadside parking, and zero tolerance against violations, including one-way breaches.

The chief minister also directed the launch of an extensive public awareness campaign to educate citizens on lane discipline. She further instructed that traffic monitoring be strengthened through cameras installed on mobile traffic vehicles.

Taking notice of zigzag driving, she ordered that motorcycles involved in such violations be impounded at police stations for three days.

She assigned the Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Lahore the responsibility of ensuring tangible improvement in the city’s traffic management system.

During the briefing, it was informed that the traffic police had issued over 500,000 challans and impounded more than 100,000 vehicles over the past six months.

Emphasising strict enforcement of traffic laws, the chief minister said preventing underage driving on both major and minor roads was essential to ensure compliance and road safety.

CM expresses grief over minor’s death in dog bite incident

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep sorrow and anger over the death of a minor child who was mauled by a stray dog in Pir Mahal.

She sought a detailed report from the Commissioner Faisalabad regarding the incident and extended heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family.

Meanwhile, the enforcement of Section 144 has been extended across Punjab, with a continued ban on flying drones in open spaces.

According to a statement issued by the Punjab Home Department, the prohibition on outdoor drone usage has been extended for another 30 days under Section 144, with the restriction remaining in place until May 25.

The provincial government imposed the restriction citing security concerns, while clarifying that limited use of small drones is permitted during indoor events held in halls and marquees. In such cases, event organisers will be responsible for ensuring safe usage.

The notification further stated that intelligence and law enforcement agencies are exempt from the restriction.

The Punjab Home Department reiterated that ensuring public safety, maintaining law and order, and protecting property remain the government’s top priorities.