LHC orders arrest of motorists driving sans license

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday directed authorities to arrest motorists driving without a valid licence and take strict action against individuals not complying with traffic rules. 

The court also ordered registration of FIRs in such cases and to ensure arrests of individuals violating the law. 

Justice Ali Zia Bajwa heard the plea of a teenager accused of a car crash that resulted in the deaths of six people in Lahore's DHA locality. “No vehicle without a license should be on the road,” said Justice. Bajwa.

A statement by the city traffic officer (CTO) revealed that 7.3 million automobiles are on roads; however, only 1.3 million vehicles were issued licenses.

In reply to the judge, the CTO said that license centers have been increased to 30 and three are functional 24 hours a day, adding that there are 90 points where licenses are being checked in the provincial capital.

Six members of a family, including two infants and two women, were killed after a speeding car driven by a teenage boy rammed into their vehicle in Defence Phase 7.

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The CTO added that at least 988 individuals have been arrested for driving without a license. The court reserved its decision.

Afnan Shafqat Awan, the accused and petitioner, requested the court to provide him protection as per Article 10A of the Constitution. The plea made Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Ali Naqvi, CCPO Lahore Bilal Saddique Kamyana, DIG Investigation Imran Kishwar, SP Investigation, and other police officials’ respondents in acting against the accused under media influence.

He contended in his petition that CM Punjab, on bases of different news items, took notice of this accident and further directed the top police officials to look into the matter.

"The Respondents violating the mandatory provisions of law and the mandate of provided by the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973, illegally and unlawfully added offence under section 302 of PPC and deleted the section 322 PPC." He further contended no case is made out under section 302 of PPC.

The accused implored that in present case, the respondents have failed to provide him right of due process and fair trial which is being fundamental rights has been safeguarded under the Constitution, therefore the petitioner needs to file this petition.