Qazi Shoaib Khan
ATTOCK, DEC 2 /DNA/ – A large number of affected passengers, rickshaw drivers, and motorcyclists blocked the Attock–Kāmra Road for all traffic in protest against implementation of new Punjab Motor vehicle Ordinance 2025. According to them, the police brought these individuals from the police station to the court tied together with a rope, similar to how traders lead sacrificial animals by tying them together on Eid.
The courts are filled with bail applications related to FIRs registered against motorcycles and other vehicles. When the media tried to ask these affected individuals for their viewpoint, they expressed their anger using harsh and hateful words against the current government.
A majority of the affected people were motorcyclists who were being fined for not wearing helmets. Among them were individuals who had already paid the fine, yet they were kept in the police lock-up for 24 hours, hungry and thirsty.
People questioned how it makes sense that a motorcyclist is fined and also has an FIR registered against him simply for not wearing a helmet.
The affected citizens said that the motorcycle is the only affordable mode of transportation they have. They use it to pick and drop their children from school and to bring home groceries. They asked who will take responsibility and what solution remains if even their only means of transport is confiscated and an FIR is lodged against them.
They said the government should explain how poor people are expected to arrange
surety bonds for bail,
lawyers’ fees,
and land ownership documents (fard)
when they have none. They added that professional touts stand outside the courts with land documents in hand and charge 20–25 thousand rupees to provide a “fard” for securing bail in FIRs registered against motorcycles.
The affected people further said that the youth who use motorcycles out of necessity end up with FIRs on record at the local police station—this later prevents them from obtaining a character certificate, which they need for employment.
Public protesters said that Maryam Nawaz should save herself from the curses of the poor and that the current government must change this oppressive policy.
