GCU student Afeef Asim killed in Shahdara as Punjab orders ride-hailing safety review

Prosecutor General Punjab Chaudhry Irfan Sadiq Tarar has declared the road accident case involving the death of Government College

LAHORE: Prosecutor General Punjab Chaudhry Irfan Sadiq Tarar has declared the road accident case involving the death of Government College University (GCU) Lahore student Afeef Asim a high-profile matter and summoned the investigation officer (IO) for a detailed briefing on October 12.

The move follows the fatal incident in Shahdara, where the student was reportedly struck by a vehicle operating through an online ride-hailing service. The prosecution department aims to ensure a transparent investigation, timely completion of legal formalities and justice for the victim’s family.

According to details shared with Minute Mirror, the Prosecutor General has directed the Shahdara Town Police investigation officer to appear in person with the complete case record. The required documents include the accident report, first information report (FIR), seizure memo, driving licence verification and other relevant legal documents.

Investigation into fatal accident

Afeef Asim lost his life in the accident within the jurisdiction of Shahdara. Police reportedly registered a case under relevant legal provisions concerning rash and negligent driving and culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

The driver has reportedly been taken into custody, while the vehicle involved in the incident has been impounded. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the accident, including whether the driver possessed a valid licence and met the requirements for operating a vehicle through a ride-hailing platform.

The case has attracted particular attention because the victim was a university student and the incident has raised concerns about passenger and public safety in the ride-hailing sector.

Sources in the prosecution department said the high-profile designation was intended to ensure close monitoring of the investigation, prevent unnecessary delays and facilitate the submission of the police challan before the court after completion of the required legal procedures.

Ride-hailing companies face scrutiny

In a related development, Tarar has reportedly ordered a comprehensive review of standard operating procedures (SOPs) followed by ride-hailing services operating in Punjab, including InDrive, Uber and Yango.

The proposed review focuses on driver verification, criminal background checks, vehicle fitness and driving licence validity.

Under the reported framework, companies would be required to strengthen coordination with Punjab Police to verify drivers’ identities and backgrounds. Police character certificates would also be required for new and existing drivers, while individuals with criminal records could face restrictions on operating through the platforms.

The proposed measures also emphasise the need for valid vehicle fitness certificates. Companies deploying defective, unsafe or illegally modified vehicles could face scrutiny alongside the drivers concerned.

Authorities are also expected to examine driving licence verification procedures to identify individuals operating vehicles without valid licences or using fraudulent documents.

Accountability and public safety

The proposed review seeks to establish clearer accountability for ride-hailing companies in cases involving alleged safety violations. According to the information provided, company management could also face legal proceedings where evidence establishes responsibility for violations.

The October 12 briefing is expected to cover both the progress of the investigation into Afeef Asim’s death and the implementation of the proposed safety measures.

The case has renewed attention on the need for effective driver screening, roadworthiness checks and transparent enforcement in Punjab’s ride-hailing industry.

The broader objective is to prevent similar tragedies by ensuring that drivers and vehicles meet applicable legal and safety requirements while protecting the public on Lahore’s roads.