Lahore: Underage Driver Hits Motorcyclists, One Killed

A shocking traffic incident in Shahdara, Lahore, has claimed the life of a motorcyclist after a 13-year-old boy, identified as Hasher, lost control of his car and struck three motorcycles. The incident has sparked renewed calls for tighter enforcement against underage, unlicensed drivers in Punjab.

• Location: Main Road, Shahdara Town, near Sangeet Cinema

• Victims: One rider killed (identified as 30-year-old Muhammad Amin), others injured

• Driver: Underage boy (estimated 13–14 years old), arrested at the scene 

• Charges: Underage driving, reckless driving, causing death by negligence

• Official Reaction: IG Punjab ordered a province-wide crackdown on juvenile driving and stricter penalties for parents 

• The young driver veered off course on Main Road and collided with three motorcycles parked outside a shop after initially hitting one on the move 

• Immediate aftermath: Locals detained the driver and handed him over to the police. The deceased and injured were quickly taken to a nearby hospital

• The driver has been taken into custody, with police launching a formal investigation for further legal action.

Underage Driving in Pakistan

• Illegal under the Motor Vehicle Ordinance, which requires a minimum driving age of 18 and a valid license ([turn0search5]).

• Punishments include fines, vehicle impoundment, and FIR registration; guardians may also be penalized ([turn0search5]).

Official Directives

• IG Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, has ordered strict enforcement:

  “Unlicensed minors must not be allowed on roads.”

• Safe City cameras and increased checkpoints are used to identify offenders, with a promise to penalize parents for enabling underage driving.

• Schools alert urged—minors caught driving may face FIRs that impact their education and job prospects, similar to past crackdowns

• Public backlash on social media, especially Reddit, highlights frustration over impunity:

“Spoiled rich kids know from a young age that they can get away with murder.”
“Parents are solely to blame.”

• Parental negligence – vehicles used by children without supervision 

• Social privilege – impunity for wealthier families undermines accountability 

• Weak enforcement – rise in juvenile driving despite traffic laws due to inconsistent policing 

• Cultural attitudes – adolescents driving at high speeds as a form of risk-taking rather than a transportation necessity

• Legal experts: Advocates for stricter parental liability and real-world consequences for minors driving.

• Protesting citizens: Calls for active enforcement rather than symbolic crackdowns.

• Judiciary intervention: Lahore High Court has mandated arrests of unlicensed minors and auditing police response to such cases

The fatal accident in Shahdara—caused by a 13-year-old driver—has once again exposed dangerous trends of underage, unlicensed driving in Lahore. In response, Punjab authorities have promised zero tolerance, deploying legal action and parental accountability measures. Yet, systemic change requires consistent enforcement, public awareness, and institutional will. Preventing these tragedies demands a self-aware society that values road safety over social privilege.