Balochistan’s Dangerous N-25: Will Two Lanes Save Lives?

Balochistan’s Dangerous N-25: Will Two Lanes Save Lives?

Balochistan’s important but dangerous National Highway N-25, which runs from Karachi to Chaman, has long been a symbol of accidents and loss of precious lives.But now the government has decided to make this highway two-lane, which is being welcomed by the public.Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced recently that the money from a possible reduction in the petrol price will be used for two major projects in Balochistan: the expansion of N-25 and the Kachhi Canal.The decision is also being debated on social media: some are calling it a welcome move for Balochistan, while others are calling it an unbalanced distribution.

Killer Highway — A Silent Disaster

According to Rescue 1122, there were 23,257 traffic accidents in Balochistan last year, in which 416 people lost their lives.The initial figures for this year are also shocking: 2,074 accidents, 2,724 injuries, and 48 deaths have occurred so far.The highest number of accidents—890—occurred on the N-25 alone, in which 25 people lost their lives.

What are the major causes of accidents?

According to the Director of Operations, Rescue 1122, Dr. Amir Bakhsh: The single-lane nature of the N-25 is the main reason. Overspeeding and untrained or tired drivers are increasing the number of accidents.The decision to make the N-25 two-lane is not just a construction project, but is expected to save thousands of lives.This type of development investment in a backward region like Balochistan will address the sense of deprivation and promote national unity.