Punjab has launched what officials are calling a “historic” traffic crackdown—76,000 challans in just two days. But while the numbers sound impressive, many people are asking the real question: is this genuine reform or just another publicity sprint?
A Flood of Fines, But What About Long-Term Fixes?
According to officials, the 48-hour sweep targeted violations that “endanger commuters.”
But Punjab’s traffic system has been broken for years—poor road planning, inconsistent enforcement, bribery, and zero accountability. A two-day crackdown doesn’t magically fix decades of inefficiency.
Still, the numbers poured in quickly:
– 13,000 vehicles impounded
– Rs 71.2 million collected in fines
– 1,402 FIRs registered
– 1,390 people jailed
Impressive? Maybe. Sustainable? Highly doubtful.
Chasing Drivers Instead of Fixing Systems
Drivers without licences, one-way violations, and helmetless riders were the biggest targets. More than 11,700 people were fined for not having a licence, while over 12,000 motorcyclists were punished for skipping helmets.
These are real issues—but they didn’t appear overnight.
Why does Punjab only act when things get so bad that “emergency cleanups” become necessary? Where is the year-round enforcement?
Smog Season Crackdown or Seasonal Drama?
Punjab impounded more than 7,200 smoke-emitting vehicles as part of its smog-reduction effort.
That’s good—but shouldn’t emissions testing be a permanent system instead of a seasonal photo-op? Lahore’s air quality doesn’t suddenly get toxic for two months. It’s a year-round disaster.
Underage Drivers, Overloaded Buses, and Zero Accountability
More than 3,000 underage drivers were booked—again raising questions about policing before things get out of control.
Public transport operators also faced action, with 1,397 vehicles impounded for overloading passengers. But will these operators be monitored next week? Next month? Probably not.
Even beggars and drug users obstructing traffic were targeted. Another temporary fix to a permanent problem.
The Big Problem: Crackdowns Don’t Replace Governance
DIG Traffic Muhammad Waqas Nazir says the crackdown will “continue without discrimination.”
The truth is simple: unless Punjab invests in driver education, consistent enforcement, road infrastructure, and corruption-free policing, these operations will remain short-lived dramas.
Punjab doesn’t need more challans.
Punjab needs a system that works even when cameras aren’t watching.
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