LAHORE: More than 15,000 women have received car driving, motorcycle and scooter riding training from Lahore Traffic Police schools so far, with over 1,400 women trained during the current year alone, as part of efforts to improve women`s mobility and independence.

The traffic police organised a Women`s Scooter Walk at Liberty Market, featuring women who had completed scooter and motorcycle riding training through its driving schools.

Lahore Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Syed Abdul Raheem Shirazi and SP Headquarters Fakhar Bashir Raja attended the event and appreciated the participating women.

According to CTO, a total of 24,420 people have been trained at the department`s driving schools, including 15,256 women. Of these, 7,888 women received car driving training while 7,178 were trained in motorcycle and scooter riding. He said 1,472 women had received driving or riding training during the current year, reflecting the growing interest among women in acquiring mobility skills.

He said 12 driving schools had been established across Lahore to facilitate women seeking training in car driving as well as motorcycle and scooter riding.

Under the Women on Wheels initiative, free motorcycle and scooter riding training is being provided to women to help them travel independently and pursue education, employment and other opportunities.

Mr Shirazi said the objective of the programme was not merely to teach women driving and riding skills but also to build their confidence and enable them to become more self-reliant.

He said greater participation of women in social and economic activities would contribute to the development of families and society. Staff Reporter