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.
