Road safety

Road traffic injuries and fatalities represent a silent crisis in Pakistan, often overshadowed by other pressing issues. Yet, the toll is staggering. Globally, 1.19 million lives are lost each year to road traffic accidents and they are the leading cause of death for young people aged five to 29. Shockingly, low- and middle-income countries, like Pakistan, bear 92 per cent of the world’s road fatalities. These statistics are not mere numbers; they are shattered families, unfulfilled dreams, and a collective failure to protect our most vulnerable citizens – our children.

Pakistan must make road safety a national priority. This means investing in infrastructure that prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists, stricter enforcement of traffic laws and, crucially, a sustained commitment to road safety education for all.

Engr Dr Malik Sarmad Riaz

Islamabad