Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has announced a major shift in road safety regulations, setting the minimum driving age in the province at 16 years.

Alongside this, she revealed that the electronic challan system will become stricter in the coming months to enforce traffic discipline more effectively.

Speaking about the new measures, Marriyum Aurangzeb emphasized that road accidents cannot be curbed unless citizens take personal responsibility. “Underage children driving vehicles is equivalent to suicide. If parents hand over cars to minors, the law will take strict action,” she warned. The senior minister stressed that real-time monitoring of traffic violations has already begun and that zero tolerance for reckless driving will continue. “Every life is precious, and no one will be allowed to endanger their own or others’ safety on the roads,” she added.

Marriyum Aurangzeb also highlighted Punjab’s ongoing anti-narcotics efforts, calling it the “toughest operation in history” against drugs. She described the campaign as a social mission rather than just a government crackdown, with increased spot checks at schools, colleges, and universities. “The war against drug mafias will go to its final stage. No leniency will be shown,” she stated.

The senior minister explained that mapping of drug networks across the province has been completed, with drone technology deployed to identify hidden supply points. Numerous active networks have already been busted, and the arrest of 111 long-range networks reflects the government’s firm resolve. She added that the chief minister receives daily updates to ensure young people are protected from drug abuse.