Pakistan is perceived by many as a dangerous country for various reasons. These include rising crime rates in major cities like Karachi and Lahore, deaths resulting from terrorism, abductions, and other criminal activities, as well as gang clashes across different parts of the country. However, one critically dangerous facet of life in Pakistan that receives far too little attention is the condition of its roads and highways and the alarming rate of fatalities associated with them.
The cobweb of roads and highways stretching across Pakistan is a daily hazard for commuters. The latest figures from 2023, published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other authorities, estimate at least 41,000 deaths annually in road accidents in Pakistan. However, the real number could be even higher, with some deaths going unreported, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas. Beyond fatalities, countless individuals suffer severe injuries, many resulting in long-term disabilities. Yet, this crisis is rarely a topic of public discourse.
Roads in major cities have become increasingly hazardous due to the lack of regulation over the burgeoning number of vehicles. Cities like Karachi and Lahore have witnessed exponential growth in vehicle usage, yet the infrastructure remains outdated and unable to handle the increasing demand. Traffic chaos is a daily occurrence, with cars speeding through red lights, disregarding one-way regulations, and violating basic traffic rules. Poorly designed and inadequately maintained roads exacerbate the problem. Potholes, uneven surfaces, and improper signage are commonplace, creating further hazards for drivers and pedestrians alike.
The role of the traffic police in this crisis is disheartening. Severely underpaid and poorly trained, traffic police officers are ill-equipped to handle the overwhelming volume of vehicles. Many intersections remain unmanned, while officers at others are often powerless to enforce rules. In numerous instances, traffic police target motorcyclists or smaller cars, sometimes for trivial violations, merely to extract small bribes. Even when legitimate violations are addressed, influential vehicle owners often evade consequences by citing connections with high-ranking officials. This lack of accountability fosters a culture of lawlessness on the roads.
Pedestrian safety is another overlooked aspect of this crisis. Zebra crossings, where they exist, are routinely ignored by drivers, leaving pedestrians with no safe way to cross busy streets. Cyclists and those using non-motorised vehicles face an even graver predicament, frequently becoming victims of hit-and-run incidents. Tragically, it is not uncommon for injured individuals to be abandoned on the roadside without aid. Such incidents highlight the broader societal apathy towards the welfare of others.
One particularly alarming trend is the prevalence of underage driving. Young drivers, often emboldened by their parents or guardians, take to the roads without proper training or licensing. The absence of stringent checks and the ease of acquiring fake licenses compound the issue. The entire licensing system in Pakistan is deeply flawed, with little emphasis on rigorous testing or education about road safety. This lack of oversight leads to a high number of accidents involving inexperienced drivers.
Despite the chaos on domestic roads, it is evident that Pakistanis are capable of adhering to traffic rules when necessary. Pakistani expatriates working as taxi drivers in the UAE and other Gulf countries abide by strict traffic regulations, demonstrating their ability to adapt when enforcement is robust. This stark contrast underscores the critical role of governance and accountability in ensuring road safety. In these countries, advanced surveillance systems, such as traffic cameras, ensure compliance, and violations result in immediate consequences. Adopting similar systems in Pakistan could significantly improve road safety.
Pakistan’s road fatality rate is among the highest globally. Addressing this issue requires recognising it as a public health crisis and implementing comprehensive measures to mitigate it. A more empowered and better-trained traffic police force is essential, as is stricter regulation of who is allowed to drive on public roads. Fostering a sense of civic responsibility and ethics among citizens is also crucial. The rampant disregard for others’ safety – even near schools where children are at risk – reflects a broader societal decline in values.
Technological advancements, such as automated traffic enforcement systems, can play a pivotal role in improving road safety. Speed cameras, red-light cameras, and vehicle registration tracking systems should be deployed across major cities and highways. Such systems have proven effective in reducing traffic violations in countries worldwide. Moreover, reintroducing functional equipment, such as high-speed motorbikes for traffic police, could help enforce rules more effectively.
Another concern is the decline in the effectiveness of even the most respected traffic enforcement agencies, such as the Motorway Police. Once considered a model of discipline and efficiency, the Motorway Police now struggle with resource constraints and diminished authority. Revitalising such institutions is imperative. Ensuring adequate funding, modern equipment, and continuous training can restore their capability to manage traffic and enforce regulations effectively.
Public awareness campaigns are equally important in addressing the root causes of road accidents. Educational initiatives targeting drivers, pedestrians, and young students can instil a sense of responsibility and awareness about road safety. Media campaigns highlighting the human cost of reckless driving could also influence behaviour. Incorporating road safety education into school curricula can also create a new generation of responsible road users.
Road safety must also be prioritised at the highest levels of government. Policymakers and legislators must recognise the gravity of the situation and allocate resources accordingly. Debates in parliament and other forums can help bring the issue to the forefront, encouraging the implementation of practical solutions. Local governments must also play their part by investing in infrastructure improvements, such as better road design, maintenance, and pedestrian-friendly facilities.
Ultimately, every citizen has a right to safe roads. Whether travelling to work, school, or the market, individuals should not have to face the constant threat of death or injury. The current state of Pakistan’s roads is a collective failure of governance, enforcement, and societal ethics. However, it is not an insurmountable challenge. With the right combination of policy reforms, technological advancements, public awareness, and civic responsibility, Pakistan can transform its roads from death traps into safe passageways for all.
The time to act is now. The cost of inaction is measured not just in statistics but in lives lost, families shattered, and futures extinguished. Pakistan cannot afford to ignore this crisis any longer. Safe roads are not a luxury but a fundamental necessity. It is the duty of every citizen and every institution to contribute to this cause and ensure that future generations inherit a safer, more responsible road culture.
The writer is a freelance columnist and former newspaper editor. She can be reached at: kamilahyat@hotmail.com
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