GILGIT-BALTISTAN:
The Karakoram Highway is the main route to get to Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) from different parts of Punjab. Given the terrain of the region, vehicles have to pass through dangerous hilly terrains as well as sharp corners on the highway. Most public buses commuting from Islamabad to GB are in poor shape. Time and again, locals have raised concerns over poor transportation services, but their calls have fallen on deaf ears.
Resultantly, each year, many accidents occur as the authorities responsible for regulating bus services and checking the maintenance of the buses have failed to fulfil their duties. A few days ago, a passenger bus collided with a car on the Karakoram Highway and fell into a ditch near the Shitial area of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Upper Kohistan district. More than 20 passengers lost their lives.
Despite being a prominent tourist destination, GB lacks safe road infrastructure and a good transportation service. This often discourages local and foreign tourists from travelling to the area. The National Highway Authority (NHA) and district administration have shown incessant apathy and lethargy in improving transportation in the area. Many students and workers who regularly travel to and from the region are faced with a constant threat to their lives. The NHA and local government need to pay attention to the issue and enforce strict regulations on driving and maintenance of vehicles. Old public buses should be replaced with new ones and drivers speeding on highways should be fined.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 13th, 2023.
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