KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has expressed profound concern over the alarming increase in road accidents across Karachi, which have claimed 207 lives in 2025 so far. Among the fatalities, 185 are men, 11 women, 2 young girls, and 9 children, while over 900 people, including more than 100 women, have sustained injuries, according to a recent report.
In a statement, the PMA highlighted three tragic accidents that occurred this week. In Malir, a reckless water tanker driver killed a young couple and their newborn baby. Near Karsaz, a speeding car ran over a man and his wife, while in Naya Nazimabad, a water tanker fatally struck a young motorcyclist.
The PMA attributed these tragic incidents to egregious traffic violations, including reckless driving, wrong-way driving, the operation of heavy vehicles during daylight hours, and one-wheeling.
The association condemned the traffic authorities for their failure to ensure road safety, citing corruption and inefficiency as major contributors to the problem.
“The relentless loss of lives due to blatant traffic violations is a devastating indictment of the system. Karachi’s roads have become death traps due to unchecked reckless driving, wrong-way driving, and the operation of heavy dumpers during peak hours. The authorities have demonstrably failed to protect the public,” said Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, Secretary General of the PMA.
The PMA called for urgent and decisive action, outlining the following recommendations:
Strict enforcement of traffic laws with zero tolerance for violations such as reckless driving, one-wheeling, and wrong-way driving.
Aggressive crackdown on one-wheeling with penalties and confiscation of vehicles involved.
Comprehensive traffic management reforms to improve road safety, reduce congestion, and eliminate corruption.
Transparent investigations into corruption within the traffic police and strict disciplinary action against guilty officials.
Public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the consequences of traffic violations and promote responsible behavior.
Improvement of road infrastructure with well-maintained roads, clear signage, and functional traffic signals.
Accountability of traffic police officers through robust oversight mechanisms to ensure they fulfill their duties.
The PMA urged the government and relevant authorities to take immediate steps to safeguard citizens’ lives and restore safety on Karachi’s roads. The association also pledged to collaborate with stakeholders to implement effective solutions and prevent further tragedies.
Dr. Shoro concluded, “The time for action is now. We cannot afford to lose more lives to negligence and systemic failures.”
