Helmet exemption for Sikhs yet to be notified

Imposition of fines halted after Punjab CM’s announcement

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s announcement during a Christmas event of exemption of the Sikh community from the helmet law for motorcyclists has yet to be notified but has led to a halt to fining turban-wearing Sikh motorcyclists.

Sardar Parmjit Singh, a resident of Lahore, relies on his motorcycle for daily travel to and from work. However, he has repeatedly faced traffic fines for not wearing a helmet. Explaining his position, he says the turban is the “crown” of a Sikh and wearing a helmet over it is religiously impermissible. “This is not a matter of convenience,” he emphasises.

While acknowledging that helmets provide protection in road accidents, Parmjit Singh argues that for the Sikh community, faith and protection are inseparable concepts.

The helmet requirement has long posed challenges for Sikh motorcyclists.

Former chairman of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Sardar Bishan Singh, says the issue was consistently raised with authorities. He led Sikh community delegations in meetings with the Lahore chief traffic officer, submitted written requests, and explained the religious standpoint in detail.

According to Sardar Bishan Singh, traffic police officials have clarified that wardens have been instructed not to impose fines on Sikh riders wearing g turban. However, Punjab Safe City Authority cameras are unable to distinguish religious identity, which can result in automated online fines.

To address this, Sikh riders have been given the option to visit traffic police offices to have such challans cancelled.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had announced exemption for the Sikh community from the helmet requirement during the Christmas event. Although a notification has yet to be issued, her directives have led to a temporary halt to fining turban-wearing Sikh motorcyclists.