Firm stance: ‘New policy devised to prevent minors from driving’

Swat DPO says youth must pledge allegiance to education

MINGORA: A new policy has been devised in Swat to prevent minors from driving cars and motorcycles.

This was said by Swat DPO Muhammad Saleem Marwat. He was speaking to a group of students met at his office in Saidu Sharif on Thursday.

The purpose of the meeting was to draw attention to the youth’s role in assisting law-enforcement agencies and maintaining peace in the region.

“The policy will help ensure road safety,” he said.

The DPO added a large number of road accidents in the region were caused by reckless driving by teenagers and motorcyclists.

“We are committed to achieving better results by implementing safety measures,” he said.

“Our attempt to prevent minors from driving cars and motorcyclists has borne fruit,” he said. “The number of accidents [in Swat] has decreased by 90% in recent times.”



Youth of the nation

“The future of the country lies in the hands of youth,” the DPO told students.

He urged the educated youth must avail facilities in the education sector and contribute to the development and prosperity of the country.

“Every student must pledge allegiance to education and aim to put Pakistan on the path to development,” he said. “We must make the nation strong.”

According to Marwat, students must keep a watchful eye on their surroundings and inform law-enforcement agencies in case of any suspicion.

“The youth must fulfil their responsibility as citizens and play their role in strengthening and safe guarding the country,” he said.



He urged students and others to join hands with law-enforcement agencies to adopt a firm stance against extremism and militancy.

According to the police, it was difficult for the police department and other law-enforcement agencies to maintain sustainable peace without support from the public.

“Students, teachers, traders and other members of the society must extend a helping hand to the police in maintaining peace in the area.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 3^rd, 2016.