By The Lahore Traffic Police has trained 34 women to drive rickshaws under a new initiative aimed at promoting women’s empowerment, creating employment opportunities, and supporting financial independence in Punjab. The program seeks to equip women with practical driving skills that can help them earn a livelihood and become financially self-reliant.
The initiative was launched in collaboration with a private university on the special instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Training sessions were conducted at driving schools in Bahria Town and Manawan, Lahore, providing women with an opportunity to learn how to operate rickshaws and explore new career options.
Lahore Traffic Police Promotes Employment Opportunities for Women
Chief Traffic Officer Lahore Syed Abdul Raheem Shirazi said the primary objective of the program is to help women earn a living by driving rickshaws themselves. He emphasized that the initiative goes beyond teaching driving skills, as it also opens doors to economic independence and greater participation in the workforce.
According to Shirazi, women play an important role alongside men in the social and economic development of the country. He added that the Lahore Traffic Police remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote women’s empowerment, employment opportunities, and financial stability.
By providing women with specialized driving training, the program aims to expand their access to income-generating activities. Rickshaw driving can offer another potential source of employment for women who want to support their families, establish independent livelihoods, or explore opportunities in the transport sector.
More Than 16,000 Women Trained at Lahore Driving Schools
The rickshaw training initiative builds on the Lahore Traffic Police’s existing efforts to improve women’s access to driving education. The city has established 12 driving schools that provide car and scooter training specifically for women.
According to the department, more than 16,000 women have learned to drive through these facilities. The expansion of training options reflects ongoing efforts to help women acquire practical mobility skills and increase their participation in different areas of economic and social life.
The introduction of rickshaw training represents a further step toward broadening these opportunities. While car and scooter training can improve personal mobility, commercial driving skills may also help women pursue employment in the transport industry.
A Step Towards Women’s Economic Empowerment in Punjab
Women’s economic empowerment remains an important part of broader efforts to increase employment and financial independence across Punjab. Skills-based initiatives such as this can help women explore alternative career paths and participate more actively in the economy.
However, the long-term impact of the program will depend on the availability of employment opportunities, access to suitable vehicles, financial resources, and a safe working environment for women entering the transport sector.
With 34 women completing the rickshaw training program, the Lahore Traffic Police has taken another step toward making driving skills accessible to women seeking new livelihood opportunities.
The department has also reaffirmed its commitment to continuing initiatives that support women’s empowerment and financial stability. If expanded further, such programs could help more women in Lahore and other cities across Punjab gain practical skills, pursue employment, and move toward greater economic independence.
As these efforts continue, the initiative highlights the potential of vocational training to create new opportunities for women and strengthen their role in Pakistan’s social and economic development.
