Punjab's Worsening Road Safety Crisis: Accidents Rise Sharply

Pakistan's Punjab province is grappling with a severe road safety crisis, seeing tens of thousands of accidents monthly. Experts attribute the rise in fatalities to rapid urbanisation, poor infrastructure, speeding, and a lack of pedestrian safety.

Pakistan's Punjab province is witnessing a worsening road safety crisis, with rising traffic accidents highlighting serious concerns over urban planning, infrastructure management and traffic enforcement. According to the report by The Express Tribune, rapid urbanisation, increasing vehicle ownership and inadequate pedestrian facilities have contributed to a sharp rise in road fatalities and injuries across the province.

The Express Tribune reported that despite several road development projects and traffic management initiatives, Punjab continues to register tens of thousands of accidents every month. Experts cited by The Express Tribune identified speeding, traffic violations, increasing motorcycle usage, illegal parking, encroachments and the lack of safe pedestrian infrastructure as key factors behind the growing number of accidents.

Alarming Accident Statistics

According to data from Rescue 1122, cited in The Express Tribune's investigation, Punjab recorded more than 36,000 road accidents in January 2026, resulting in 463 deaths and over 17,000 serious injuries. The report further noted that in May 2026, the province witnessed more than 43,000 accidents, causing 434 fatalities and over 23,000 injuries.

Lahore: The Epicentre of the Crisis

The report highlighted that Lahore remains the worst affected city due to its population pressure, commercial activity and increasing traffic volume. Major roads, including Canal Road, Ferozepur Road, Multan Road, Jail Road, GT Road and Main Boulevard, continue to witness frequent accidents.

Inadequate Pedestrian Infrastructure

The investigation by The Express Tribune found that the shortage of proper footpaths, pedestrian crossings and safe walking spaces remains one of Lahore's biggest road safety challenges. In several commercial areas, pedestrians are forced to move alongside fast-moving vehicles, while service roads are often occupied by parked vehicles.

The report further noted that although agencies such as the Lahore Development Authority and Metropolitan Corporation have built foot-over bridges and underpasses, many remain underutilised due to poor maintenance, damaged structures, inadequate lighting and encroachments.

Emerging Safety Concerns

According to the report, the growing use of electric scooters by underage riders without proper licences has added another safety concern. (ANI)

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