Road accidents and fatalities is a major issue in Pakistan. Every 5 minutes someone is killed or brutally injured in a road accident in Pakistan. While the humane, psychological and economical losses to the injured person and families is undeniable, it is important to note that road accidents impact a government in multiple ways and Pakistan is no different.

As per an estimate, road accidents’ economic cost is between 3 to 5% of the GDP. Every accident and fatality results in loss of human power, loss of quality and life and put strain on public resources like hospitals and police. While road accidents and resultant fatalities cannot be completely eliminated, Government of Pakistan has taken important steps over the years to curtail the calamities. Some noteworthy steps include the establishment of National Highway Authority in 1991 that focuses on the engineering aspects of roads and highways like signage, road widths and pavement making. Similarly, in 2018 the Government introduced the National Road Safety Strategy. The plan, spanning over a period of 5 years aimed at reducing the number of fatalities by 6,000 by the end of 2023.

Additionally, a Road Safety Act was passed in 2020 which aimed to strike a balance between maintaining national consistency and accommodating local requirements, ultimately enhancing road safety across Pakistan. The country also has a National Road Safety Action Plan (2020-2024) which focuses on two main agendas; gathering, analyzing and sharing road accidents data nationwide and ensuring quick decision making by providing easy access to crash data.

Other then these steps, the Government of Pakistan have also taken concrete steps to create awareness regarding traffic laws and ensure enforcement of traffic rules and regulations. Investments is being made regularly in creating pedestrian lanes, pavements, and segregated lanes for cyclist and motorcyclist.

Pakistanis, Buckle up! Safer Roads will make a Stronger Pakistan!