The Lahore High Court made a significant move on Friday, issuing a directive that puts a halt to the Punjab government’s distribution of electric bikes to students in the province. This decision, effective until Monday, came as the court sought comprehensive details about the project from the government.
During a hearing addressing concerns over smog reduction in the province, the LHC expressed reservations about the electric bike initiative. In particular, Justice Shahid Karim raised concerns about the potential misuse of the bikes and the safety of students. He suggested that instead of distributing electric bikes, students should be encouraged to utilize public transportation, prioritizing their safety and reducing the risk of dangerous activities like one-wheeling.
The court’s decision to pause the distribution of electric bikes includes a request for a detailed report from the Punjab government. This report is expected to provide information on the number of electric bikes distributed and their locations, among other key details.
Justice Shahid Karim emphasized the importance of student safety and highlighted potential issues such as male students loitering outside girls’ colleges if provided with electric bikes. As an alternative, he proposed equipping colleges with electric buses, aiming to offer safer and more sustainable mobility options for students across Punjab.
The LHC’s intervention underscores the need for thorough consideration and planning in initiatives aimed at promoting alternative modes of transportation, particularly when concerning the safety and well-being of students.
