Tomorrow, Monday, is the last day to submit applications for Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s scooty scheme. To facilitate students, all licensing offices in Lahore will remain open on Monday today, allowing young applicants to obtain driving licences or junior permits.
On the instructions of Lahore Chief Traffic Officer (CTO), special “Gen-Z counters” have been established at licensing offices to provide maximum convenience to students. According to Lahore Traffic Police, more than 195,000 motorcycle licences have been issued so far this year, while over 9,000 junior permits have been issued to students aged 16 to 18 during the past two weeks.
Citizens must present their original identity cards to obtain a motorcycle licence. However, youths aged 16 to 18 can obtain a junior permit by presenting their B-Form along with the consent of a parent or guardian. Officials said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s initiative to empower students, particularly female students, is ongoing.
The scooty scheme aims to provide female students with convenient and affordable transportation for commuting to schools, colleges and other essential activities. Officials have urged students to visit licensing offices today to take advantage of the scooty scheme and ensure they obtain the required driving licence or junior permit.
CM Maryam Nawaz had earlier ordered authorities to open the e-bike portal this week and ensure that eligible students receive their bikes within six weeks.
The government has also given in-principle approval to gradually expand the CM Electric Bike Scheme to government employees, departments, the general public and delivery riders.
During a briefing, Transport Secretary Imran Sikandar Baloch said students would receive helmets and safety rods free of charge along with the electric bikes. He said the bikes would be equipped with lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries.
Students interested in receiving the bikes will also be provided with free two-day training in electric bike riding under the chief minister’s directives.