The tragic Malir Halt incident of March 24, 2025 involving the deaths of Abdul Qayum, Zainab and their child, who had his first and last breath on the road, is yet another reminder of the dangers posed by heavy vehicles in Karachi. The couple riding a motorcycle was hit by a speeding water tanker. This heartbreaking incident is not an isolated case.
According to Chhipa welfare organisation, 68 people have been killed by heavy vehicles in the first 83 days of 2025 alone. This includes fatalities caused by dumper trucks and water tankers, highlighting a systemic problem demanding immediate attention.
Investigations into the Malir Halt tragedy point to factors like excessive speed, driver fatigue and inadequate road safety measures. It is crucial for authorities to implement stricter regulations, ensure rigourous enforcement of traffic laws for heavy vehicles and improve road infrastructure to prevent further loss of innocent lives. The safety of Karachi’s citizens must be a priority.
Muhammad Azram Butt
Karachi
