Karachi: Pakistan’s largest city is facing a deadly surge in road accidents, with more than 10,000 incidents reported this year — claiming over 680 lives in just 290 days and leaving more than 10,200 injured.
According to rescue and police officials, the victims include 527 men, 71 women, and 82 children.
Two additional deaths were reported in separate late-night accidents in Liaquatabad and Model Colony. In one tragic case, the victim was the only brother of eight sisters and the father of twin children.
Data shows that heavy vehicles were responsible for a large share of the fatalities, with at least 201 deaths attributed to them.
Motorcyclists make up the majority of those killed, followed by pedestrians and passengers in smaller vehicles.
The breakdown of vehicle-related deaths paints a grim picture: 25 people were killed in bus accidents, 11 in minibus collisions, 6 in coach crashes, 18 by trucks and Mazda vehicles, 78 by trailers, 36 by dumpers, 45 by water tankers, and 6 by oil tankers.
Urban experts say Karachi’s worsening traffic safety crisis reflects poor infrastructure, weak enforcement of traffic laws, and unregulated movement of heavy vehicles.
“The issue is no longer just about traffic control — it’s a public safety emergency,” said a road safety analyst.
Police officials say measures are being considered to strengthen enforcement, regulate heavy traffic during peak hours, and restore road discipline.
But observers warn that without long-term reforms in transport planning and road safety management, Karachi’s roads will continue to claim hundreds of lives each year.
