Deadly roads, missing safety: Pakistan's Punjab faces infrastructure failure
Lahore, August 1
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.
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.
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.
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.
According to the report, the growing use of electric scooters by underage riders without proper licences has added another safety concern.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The underutilisation of foot-over bridges is a classic problem — what's the point of building infrastructure if it's not maintained? Dark, dirty, and encroached bridges are bound to be avoided by people. It's the same story in many Indian cities too. We need better urban planning, not just more roads.
Infrastructure failure doesn't discriminate by nationality. Whether it's Punjab in Pakistan or Punjab in India, rapid urbanisation without corresponding safety measures is a recipe for disaster. The data on underage e-scooter riders is particularly alarming — licensing and enforcement must be strict.
This is heartbreaking. Losing 400+ lives a month in a single province is a major crisis. I hope the authorities there learn from global best practices — dedicated pedestrian zones, proper traffic calming measures, and strict action against illegal parking. Civil society needs to raise their voice.
The article makes a valid point about service roads being blocked by parked vehicles. This forces everyone onto main carriageways. It's a basic civic management issue. Sometimes a quick fix like marking parking zones and clearing encroachments can save more lives than big projects.
As someone who regularly reads about Indian road accidents, this report feels painfully familiar. The common denominator is poor enforcement and a culture that treats traffic rules as optional. I hope the Punjab government there focuses on driver training and strict penalties for speeding. 🙏
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