KARACHI: The city’s roads continue to claim lives, with yet another fatal accident on Tuesday adding to Karachi’s growing traffic-related death toll.
According to rescue services, a pedestrian lost his life after being struck by a bus in Malir’s Khokhrapar No. 2 area. Police confirmed that the vehicle involved belonged to the Peoples Bus Service, the Sindh government’s public mass transit system. The bus driver has been taken into custody and shifted to the relevant police station.
This latest tragedy adds to the alarming number of traffic accidents in Karachi. According to police data, 134 people have lost their lives, while over 1,800 others have been injured in road accidents in less than two months of 2025.
A Series of Deadly Accidents
- On Monday, two people were killed when a speeding trailer struck them on the Native Jetty Bridge. The driver managed to flee.
- A week ago, a motorcyclist lost his life after being hit by a water tanker near Jail Chowrangi. The accident sparked public outrage, with citizens setting five water tankers on fire before firefighters controlled the blaze.
Government Steps Up Measures
In response to the surge in fatal accidents, the Sindh government has introduced stricter regulations for heavy transport vehicles:
- Mandatory fitness and registration for all heavy transport vehicles; unregistered vehicles will be prohibited from operating.
- Revised operational hours for dumper trucks, now restricted to 10 pm to 6 am instead of the previous 11 pm to 6 pm to reduce road congestion and improve safety.
Legal & Political Developments
The issue has also gained political traction:
- Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has filed a petition in the Sindh High Court demanding regulation of heavy vehicles during daytime hours and compensation for victims of road accidents.
- Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H) Chairman Afaq Ahmed was arrested and sent to jail on judicial remand for alleged involvement in violent protests, including the torchings of trucks.
However, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inaam Memon has ruled out politicizing traffic accidents, stating that the government will not allow anyone to disrupt law and order in the city.
During a recent meeting attended by representatives of MQM-P, ANP, JI, the Transporters Dumper Association, and the Water Tanker Association, Memon stressed the need for transporters to ensure their drivers operate vehicles responsibly. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing traffic accidents and improving road safety in Karachi.
