Safety Tips to Avoid Common Legal Mistakes

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Sultan Kiani

Here are some safety tips to avoid common legal issues in Pakistan.

I recently came across a troubling story about a citizen who narrowly avoided arrest due to a seemingly minor mistake. Sajid (name changed for privacy) described in a Facebook post that he received a call from the local police one day, asking him to report to the police station. He had been accused of issuing a bogus cheque. However, he had never issued any cheque with fraudulent intent; it was simply a naïve mistake that proved costly.

Sajid had purchased a solar inverter on monthly installments from a local vendor, who demanded a duly signed blank cheque as collateral. Although he had consistently paid his previous installments on time, he missed a payment on this occasion due to work overload. Seizing the opportunity, the vendor filled in the blank cheque—not just for one, but for two months' installments—and deposited it. The cheque bounced due to insufficient funds. The dispute was eventually resolved after Sajid paid the overdue amount, and the vendor, admitting his wrongdoing, withdrew the complaint.

Sajid’s ordeal illustrates how not everyone who encounters legal trouble is a habitual offender. There are many seemingly minor errors that can have serious consequences, potentially resulting in criminal charges, heavy fines, and even imprisonment. Here, we highlight some of the most common legal missteps and provide practical advice to help you avoid them and stay on the right side of the law:

Steer Clear of Traffic Violations

The Safe City initiative has introduced automated traffic fines across several cities. E-challans were already in place in Islamabad and Lahore, and now traffic offenders in Karachi, Rawalpindi, and other cities are also receiving them. Additionally, police departments are conducting crackdowns against reckless driving, over-speeding, and unlicensed drivers.

Following these simple tips can help you stay safe and avoid legal complications:

• Drive responsibly: Stay within speed limits, avoid using your mobile phone while driving, and always stop before the zebra crossing at red lights.

• Exercise caution when the light turns amber: Be prepared to stop unless you have already crossed the stop line or are too close to safely stop. Do not accelerate to beat the amber light.

• If traffic is crawling, it is advisable to stop at the amber light, as you may be unable to clear the intersection before it turns red resulting in a ticket for running a red light.

• Avoid tampering with your vehicle's number plate to evade traffic cameras. Using a fake registration number is a criminal offence and carries serious consequences.

• "Speed thrills but kills"—even if you manage to avoid an accident, driving at extremely high speeds can result in legal action. The National Highways & Motorways Police (NH&MP) are taking strict measures against individuals caught driving at 150 km/h or above. Vehicles may be impounded, and offenders may face imprisonment.

• A valid driver’s license is mandatory. It is issued only to individuals aged 18 or above. If a minor is caught driving, their parents or guardians may also face legal action.

Also ensure that your license, vehicle registration, electronic tag, and emission clearance certificate are valid and up to date.

Avoiding Legal Troubles in Business

As Sajid’s case demonstrates, blindly signing business documents or agreements can result in serious legal consequences. The following precautions can help you stay safe:

• Read all agreement drafts carefully before signing to understand your rights and responsibilities. Request amendments to any clause that seems unfair or difficult to comply with.

• Do not use fake or forged documents for loan or credit card applications. Short-term gains often lead to long-term consequences.

• Never give anyone a blank cheque as collateral. Always prepare a legal agreement specifying when and how any post-dated cheque may be used.

• Be cautious of investment schemes promising unrealistically high returns. These companies are often illegal and fraudulent.

• Invest your savings through banks, government-approved mutual funds, or regulated stock investments.

• Be especially careful when engaging in real estate transactions. Always verify documents, prepare formal ownership transfer deeds, and complete all necessary legal paperwork.

• Seek professional financial advice when entering business partnerships or filing tax returns.

Do Not Break Cyber Laws

While the internet offers many conveniences, it must be used responsibly. It is governed by cybercrime laws that all citizens must follow, in addition to respecting cultural and legal norms.

• Do not access websites containing unethical or illegal content, such as pornography, narcotics, or anti-state propaganda.

• Constructive criticism is acceptable but avoid sharing defamatory content targeting the state or its institutions.

• Do not engage in hate speech, including religious extremism, threats of violence, or racist remarks.

• Refrain from following, subscribing to, or engaging with pages and channels known for inciting violence or spreading harmful propaganda.

• Do not allow unauthorized individuals to access your email, social media, or banking accounts. Lending your accounts or digital wallets to others is extremely risky.

Educating your family—especially teenagers—about cybercrime laws is essential to prevent accidental violations.

Know Your Civic Responsibilities

Regrettably, civic awareness in Pakistan remains underdeveloped compared to other nations. Despite lax enforcement, it is our moral and legal responsibility to uphold municipal laws:

• Do not encroach upon public spaces, and ensure vehicles are parked lawfully.

• Maintain cleanliness in your neighborhood by disposing of waste in designated municipal containers.

• Avoid using residential property for commercial purposes, which is illegal.

• Show respect to your community during social events. Avoid playing loud music or using sound systems, especially late at night.

• During construction or renovation projects, ensure that your activities do not obstruct the street. Properly dispose of debris and minimize dust and noise pollution to protect your neighbors and the environment.