CM Maryam Allows Sikhs to Ride Motorcycles Without Helmets, Expands Minority Card Program

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has also made some important changes in terms of policy by giving a concession to the Sikh community by offering them a waiver on the mandatory use of helmets on motorcycles and by adding to the number of minority cards in the state which currently stands at 75,000.

When speaking to a Christmas ceremony on Thursday, CM Maryam pointed out that the exemption will cover a long standing issue in the Sikh community. She explained that Sikh riders have spared wearing a helmet by their government due to the religious need to wear the turban which makes it a hard task to use a helmet.

Highlighting the provincial government’s commitment to minority rights, the chief minister added, “Punjab stands committed to protecting minorities. Their safety is a key measure of our government’s success.” She also warned that authorities would respond firmly to any attempts to harm minorities or deprive them of their rights. “Making Punjab minority-friendly should be a shared goal for all citizens. The responsibility is greater for the majority community,” she noted.

This was announced on the eve of the Christmas celebrations in Punjab where CM Maryam declared greetings to the Christian community and publicized festive plans throughout the province. She said that the province celebrated Christmas by decorating the cities, putting up festive messages, and erecting massive Christmas decorations, such as a Christmas tree display held at Liberty Chowk, and a display of Santa Claus.

The expansion of the minority card program aims to provide additional financial and social support to 25,000 more families across Punjab, enhancing access to essential services and welfare benefits.

The helmet exemption comes amid a strict provincial crackdown on motorcycle helmet violations, which imposes fines of Rs 2,000 per rider. Since the updated regulations took effect on December 1, 2025, authorities issued 28,000 helmet violation challans in a single day, reflecting the government’s intensified focus on traffic safety.

This policy adjustment balances religious sensitivities with road safety enforcement while strengthening Punjab’s commitment to supporting its minority communities.