Islamabad authorities have announced that wearing helmets will now be mandatory for both motorcyclists and their pillion passengers, regardless of gender.

Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Zeeshan Haider stated on Thursday that the rule will come into effect following a two-week awareness campaign. After this period, fines will be imposed on both riders and passengers who fail to wear helmets.

The CTO emphasized that the measure, which applies equally to male and female riders, is aimed at improving road safety and could reduce fatalities in motorcycle accidents by up to 50%.

This policy comes as motorcycles remain a widely used and affordable mode of transportation in Pakistan, especially among low-income communities.

With over 40% of the population living below the World Bank’s revised poverty line of $4.20 per person per day, two-wheelers serve as a vital means of daily commute.

However, despite their utility, motorcycles are often involved in serious accidents, many of which prove fatal due to factors such as reckless driving and the lack of basic safety precautions like helmet use.