Chairlift mishap

Eight people were suspended mid-air for 12 hours after two wires of a chairlift car snapped

The recent chairlift incident in K-P’s Battagram district has thrust into the spotlight the critical issue of public safety in Pakistan’s transport infrastructure. The incident, which left eight people, including six schoolchildren and teachers, suspended mid-air for a lengthy twelve hours after two wires of a chairlift car snapped, underscores the dire need for rigorous safety measures and preventive actions.

Unfortunately, Pakistan has always had a bad habit of building infrastructure with little regard for future safety and maintenance. As a result, seemingly mundane modes of transportation can swiftly transform into potential death traps if not maintained and regulated meticulously. The vulnerability of the children caught in this predicament, holding on for dear life, amplifies the need for an immediate re-evaluation of safety protocols. The lack of trained professionals and adequate resources yet again prompted the armed forces to step in and initiate a long and grueling rescue mission.

Read Battagram cable car: All eight rescued in hours-long operation

The vulnerable nature of the chairlift made it particularly difficult, with the aerial operation being called off after 2 rescues due to low light and (at the time this was written) alternative means being sought for the rest. It is hoped that the mission turns out a success. The incident uncovers the glaring problem that public infrastructure’s safety cannot be contingent on reactive measures alone.

Establishing resilient infrastructure is not just about responding to emergencies; it’s about preventing them from happening in the first place. This requires substantial investment in upgrading and modernising existing infrastructure to ensure it can handle a range of scenarios, from extreme weather conditions to technical failures. Innocent lives cannot be endangered due to compromised infrastructure and lax regulatory oversight. The chairlift incident deserves more than just a timely rescue. It deserves that the government prioritise safety and establish resilient infrastructure that can stand the test of time.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 23^rd, 2023.

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