76,000 Challans in 2 Days: Punjab Launches Unprecedented Traffic Sweep

Punjab authorities launched a sweeping 48-hour traffic crackdown that resulted in more than 76,000 challans across the province, a spokesperson told The Express Tribune on Saturday. 

The operation was carried out under a zero-tolerance policy. It targeted violations that officials say continue to endanger commuters and disrupt traffic flow. 

During the two-day drive, the police impounded over 13,000 vehicles and collected fines totaling more than Rs 71.2 million. 

Officers also registered 1,402 FIRs and sent 1,390 people to jail for serious offences, including reckless driving and other crimes detected during inspections. The crackdown focused on routine violations found on busy roads. 

Police took action against 11,700 drivers for driving without licences and booked more than 4,000 motorists for one-way violations. Motorcyclists were a significant focus as well, with over 12,000 riders fined for not wearing helmets.

Public transport operators faced strict checks too. Police impounded 1,397 vehicles for carrying passengers beyond legal limits, while more than 3,000 underage drivers were booked during the campaign.

As part of efforts to reduce smog, police issued challans and impounded over 7,200 vehicles for emitting excessive smoke. Another 1,500 unsafe vehicles were flagged, and 421 of them were taken off the roads for posing safety risks.

The Punjab traffic challans crackdown extended beyond routine traffic offences. Officers registered 36 FIRs against drug users and beggars who were obstructing traffic on major routes. Police also penalised 3,875 individuals for using non-standard number plates and 1,262 people for illegal parking.

DIG Traffic Muhammad Waqas Nazir said the crackdown would continue across Punjab without any discrimination. He urged motorists to follow traffic laws, stressing that safer roads depend on responsible behaviour and consistent compliance.