Editorial
The escalating traffic chaos on the roads has become a major issue for law-abiding citizens, exacerbated by the country’s rapidly growing population and increasing number of vehicles, especially motorcycles. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has been doing a commendable job in managing the provincial government, but her efforts could be significantly bolstered if she holds the traffic police accountable and works to restore discipline on the roads.
Currently, traffic officers seem to only be active when a VVIP is on the move, focusing more on blocking traffic for the elites rather than regulating everyday road users. Motorcyclists, in particular, create hazards with their reckless behavior, while car drivers, despite being more educated, often neglect basic driving etiquette like using indicators. This lack of discipline is compounded by poor habits like motorcyclists adjusting rearview mirrors to view themselves and balancing cell phones while driving—dangerous behavior often ignored.
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A society’s discipline is reflected in its road traffic, yet on Pakistani roads, there seems to be a rush to get nowhere fast. Despite infrastructure improvements like wider roads and underpasses in Lahore, the disregard for traffic rules remains widespread. This issue is primarily the result of traffic police negligence, which allows disruptive behavior to continue unchecked.
VVIPs enjoy unrestricted passage, while ordinary citizens are left to struggle in traffic. The increasing number of VVIPs, along with their extravagant privileges, only adds to the problem, as their vehicles contribute to congestion. Meanwhile, government officials enjoy large salaries and perks, further fueling public dissatisfaction.
The key to improving traffic conditions lies in enforcing stricter fines for violations, limiting VVIP movements, and making the issuance of driving licenses more rigorous. Only through these measures can road discipline be restored, enhancing the daily experience of millions of taxpayers.
