Dual Bus Tragedies Claim Over 30 Lives in Pakistan's Northeast and Southwest

On August 25, 2024, Pakistan experienced two devastating bus accidents, resulting in a significant loss of life. The incidents occurred in the northeast and southwest regions of the country, highlighting the ongoing challenges in road safety across Pakistan's diverse terrain.

In the southwestern part of the country, twelve individuals lost their lives on the Makran Coastal Highway. This 653 km-long route, known for its scenic beauty along Pakistan's Arabian Sea coast, became the site of a tragic event. The Makran region is notable for its unique geological features, including mud volcanoes, which attract both domestic and international tourists.

Simultaneously, a separate incident unfolded in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, also known as Azad Kashmir. A passenger bus plummeted into a deep ravine, leading to a substantial number of casualties. Muhammad Usman, the rescue coordinator from Rawalpindi, reported that 22 of the 25 passengers on board had perished. The victims included six women and a child, with one person sustaining critical injuries.

It's worth noting that Pakistan's mountainous northern areas, while breathtakingly beautiful, are prone to landslides and road accidents due to their challenging terrain. This incident underscores the risks associated with travel in these regions.

Conflicting reports emerged regarding the exact death toll in the Kashmir accident. While the rescue coordinator provided specific figures, the interior ministry stated that 29 individuals had lost their lives in this crash. This discrepancy highlights the challenges in obtaining accurate information in the immediate aftermath of such incidents.

In response to these tragic events, Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan's Interior Minister, expressed his condolences:

"Heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the families of the deceased in both accidents."

These incidents come just days after another tragic event involving Pakistani travelers. On August 21, 2024, a bus carrying pilgrims overturned in central Iran, resulting in 28 fatalities and 23 injuries.

Pakistan has been grappling with road safety issues for years, with one of the world's highest rates of fatal road accidents. However, efforts are being made to address this concern. The country introduced its first road safety policy in 2018 and has been working on upgrading its road infrastructure, partly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project.

The National Highway and Motorway Police, established in 1997, has been at the forefront of improving road safety. Currently, the National Highway Authority maintains over 12,000 km of roads across the country. Despite these efforts, the recent accidents underscore the need for continued focus on enhancing road safety measures and public transportation systems throughout Pakistan.