CM Maryam launches Punjab Riders Safety Initiative

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif was the Chief Guest at launching ceremony of "Punjab Rider Safety Initiative,” a first initiative of its kind to ensure riders’ safety in the province.

She said, “The campaign aims to provide "Personal Protective Equipment" to ensure safety of delivery riders.” Hasan Arshad, Director Foodpanda explained,” Safety kits include helmets, elbow and knee safety guards, smog kits, raincoats and other protective equipment.” He added,” Safety kits are designed to enable riders to perform their duties safely and efficiently.”

Instead of sitting on the stage, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif went and sat with the rider boys and girls. Madam Chief Minister distributed safety kits among the riders of Foodpanda, TCS, and Bykia. She also took a draw to give electric bikes to lucky riders. Madam Chief Minister congratulated the lucky winners Abid Fazal and Mohammad Nadeem and handed them keys of the e-bikes.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif visited every table and met the riders, took pictures with them and gave them autographs. She advised the young riders to work hard and not ride the bike fast. The women riders took selfies and shook hands with Madam Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

Madam Chief Minister said,” Labor laws are being amended, companies that do not care about the health and safety of their employees will be fined.” She added,” Riders who provide service to customers in harsh weather and complicated routes are commendable.”

They Chief Minister said,”It is the responsibility of the government and institutions to ensure safety of riders while on duty.” She added,” Rider companies' actions to protect the rider community are commendable.” The Chief Minister directed the authorities concerned to strictly enforce labor department safety rules.

Madam Maryam Nawaz Sharif said,” When I see women riders on the roads, I am both happy and concerned for their safety.” She added,” I asked a girl about her monthly income, she replied 50 thousand and she is the sole sponsor of her family.” She noted,” Riders have to reach their destination quickly. Therefore, chances of accidents are high.” She advised the riders,” Not only helmets are enough, safety guards should also be worn on elbows and knees. People working in the cement industry who get lungs disease also need to take precautionary measures.”

Madam Maryam Nawaz Sharif said,” I am happy that the riders are working hard and earning a living for their family, I wish they don't get into accidents.”

Madam Chief Minister said,” My Government is planning to give 20 thousand bikes to students. The number of bikes will be increased in the second phase. The monthly instalment is less than Rs 5000 and the down payment is Rs 25,000.”

On this occasion, an MoU was also signed between Foodpanda and the Department of Labor and Manpower, Government of Punjab. DG Labor Welfare Kulsoom Hai and Director Foodpanda Farhan Khan signed the MoU. Online registration for Foodpanda riders will start on Punjab Government’s Portal.

Secretary Labor Punjab Mohammad Naeem Ghos, and DG Labor Syeda Kulsoom Hai also spoke on the event.