The Punjab police have proposed amendments to the Provincial Motor Vehicle Ordinance, 1965, and the Motor Vehicle Rules, 1969, to introduce a Juvenile Driving Permit (JDP) for motorcyclists between 16 and 18 years of age, a reform that could make nearly seven million teenagers legally eligible to ride motorcycles, it emerged on Thursday.
Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar has sent two separate summaries through the Home Department to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, seeking her final approval.
The IGP has also recommended revising Section 89-B of the Motor Vehicle Ordinance, which mandates seatbelt use for drivers of cars, cabs, and transport vehicles.
He has suggested removing the current restriction that limits this requirement only to “notified roads,” arguing that uniform enforcement is necessary.
These proposals follow a province-wide crackdown on underage drivers, during which many students were arrested under criminal charges.
The chief minister intervened after videos surfaced of handcuffed schoolchildren being presented in court and reports emerged that police had created criminal records for them.
According to the police summaries, the absence of a regulated system has led to widespread unlicensed juvenile riding and related safety hazards.
