Fatal collision near Gujrat
At least three people were killed and three others critically injured when a speeding car crashed into a rickshaw on the Grand Trunk (GT) Road near Gujrat on Saturday.
According to rescue officials, the rickshaw was parked by the roadside to pick up passengers when a car, coming from behind at high speed, collided with it. The impact was so severe that two people died instantly, while another succumbed to injuries after being shifted to a nearby hospital.
The victims included the rickshaw driver and two daily-wage labourers identified as Muhammad Akram, a resident of Ghotki, and Afzal Ahmed from Rahim Yar Khan. Rescue sources said the injured are in critical condition and receiving treatment at a government hospital.
Police investigation underway
Police confirmed that a case has been registered against the car driver, who is accused of reckless driving. Investigators said initial findings point to over speeding as the main cause of the collision.
Authorities added that further investigation is underway to determine whether negligence, fatigue, or any mechanical fault contributed to the crash.
Road safety challenges in Pakistan
The tragic incident has once again highlighted Pakistan’s persistent struggle with road safety. Despite repeated calls for stricter enforcement of traffic rules, over speeding, poorly maintained vehicles, and weak regulation continue to cause deadly accidents.
According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, around 9,000 road accidents are reported annually across the country, resulting in more than 4,000 deaths each year. Punjab, where Gujrat is located, accounts for the highest number of traffic-related fatalities due to its extensive road networks and heavy traffic flows.
The GT Road, one of South Asia’s oldest highways, remains a vital but dangerous transport corridor. It connects major cities, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, and Rawalpindi, and sees thousands of vehicles daily. Congestion, poor lane discipline, and the mixing of heavy trucks, cars, motorbikes, and rickshaws make it particularly prone to accidents.
A broader public safety issue
Transport analysts argue that many of these tragedies are preventable. Poor road design, lack of pedestrian crossings, and the widespread use of unsafe three-wheelers further exacerbate the risk. Rickshaws, often carrying more passengers than their capacity, are especially vulnerable in collisions with faster vehicles.
Experts suggest that stronger traffic law enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and improvements in emergency medical response could save countless lives. In addition, upgrading public transport infrastructure would reduce reliance on unsafe private and informal vehicles.
For grieving families like those of Akram and Afzal Ahmed, however, such reforms come too late. Their deaths serve as another grim reminder of how unsafe roads remain a daily threat to commuters in Pakistan.
Calls for accountability
Local residents in Gujrat have urged authorities to increase police presence on GT Road and impose stricter penalties on reckless drivers. Civil society groups have also called for better regulation of public transport vehicles and improved training for drivers.
While police action against the car driver may provide some accountability, many fear it will not address the systemic problems that continue to endanger lives on Pakistan’s highways.
