LAHORE:
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s announcement during a Christmas event of the Sikh community’s exemption from the motorcyclist helmet law is yet to be notified but has led to suspension of fines for turban-wearing Sikh motorcyclists.
Sardar Parmjit Singh, a resident of Lahore, depends on his motorcycle to travel daily to and from work. However, he has repeatedly faced traffic tickets for not wearing a helmet. Explaining his position, he says that the turban is the “crown” of a Sikh and that wearing a helmet over it is religiously impermissible. “This is not a question of convenience,” he emphasizes.
While acknowledging that helmets provide protection in traffic accidents, Parmjit Singh maintains that for the Sikh community, faith and protection are inseparable concepts.
The helmet requirement has long posed challenges for Sikh motorcyclists.
Former president of Pakistan’s Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Sardar Bishan Singh, says the issue was constantly raised with the authorities. He led delegations from the Sikh community in meetings with the traffic chief of Lahore, submitted written requests and explained the religious point of view in detail.
According to Sardar Bishan Singh, traffic police officials have clarified that guards have been instructed not to impose fines on Sikh drivers wearing turbans. However, Punjab Safe City Authority cameras cannot distinguish religious identity, which can lead to automatic online fines.
To solve this problem, Sikh drivers have been given the option of visiting traffic police offices to cancel such challans.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had announced exemption for the Sikh community from the helmet requirement during the Christmas event. Although a notification has not yet been issued, its directives have led to a temporary suspension of fines for turban-wearing Sikh motorcyclists.
