Women, female students told not to sit in front of public transport in Mansehra

The Mansehra Traffic Police has sparked a debate by stopping female students and women from seating in the front seat of Suzuki vans used by public transporters across the district.

Citing harassment issues, the MTP has warned that cases could be registered against the public transporters found flouting the ban.

In this regard, sources in the police said some parents had complained that their children faced harassment while travelling in the front seat of public transport, such as Suzuki pick-ups.

They said the front seat of a Suzuki pick-up is separate from the rear part and most drivers would put shades on windows. Therefore, a ban has been placed on the seating of minor children and women in the front seats of the vehicles.

While police officials said the decision has been taken to protect children and women from harassment, some social media users see it as a discrimination against women and female students.

Mansehra Transport SP Jameel Akhtar was contacted by The Express Tribune for comments. However, he could not be reached despite multiple attempts to establish contact with him.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 12^th, 2021.