LAHORE: Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar has launched a 10-day driving licence awareness campaign across Punjab.

In a press conference held here on Thursday, the IGP said the drive would start from Dec 21, during which the citizens would be educated about the importance of road safety, traffic rules and driving licences.

Punjab Additional IG Traffic Mirza Faran Baig, Lahore Chief Traffic Officer Ammara Athar and other senior officers were also present.

The IGP said the traffic police would paint zebra crossing outside all education institutions, including schools, to ensure that the pedestrians cross roads without risking their lives.

The step was being taken on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to ensure the students’ safety and security.

“We are also starting awareness activities at schools and other education institutions for the students to improve their understanding of zebra crossing,” he said.

The IGP added that the campaign for the driving licences would surely help reduce the traffic accidents on roads.

Faran Baig said the driving licences issued by the traffic police in 2024 were 213 per cent more than the previous year of 2023, showing a significant increase.

He said the department has so far established 284 licencing centres across the province to help motorists to avail the facility at their doorstep.

The CTO said the provincial capital has reported a 28pc decrease in road traffic accidents due to the recent awareness campaigns and implementation of traffic rules.

Published in Dawn, December 20th, 2024