Faisalabad roads claim over 300 lives in 10 months

Faisalabad, the country's third-largest city, has witnessed an alarming rise in road accidents this year, with official data revealing 26,312 crashes between January 1 and October 20, 2025.

These incidents have claimed 304 lives and left 31,540 people injured, highlighting growing concerns over road safety and inadequate enforcement of traffic regulations.

According to data provided by the authorities, the highest number of fatalities ie 39 deaths, were reported in March, followed by 38 in April, 35 in May, and 29 each in January, June and September.

At least 22 people lost their lives in accidents reported up to October 20.

The figures further show that 25,718 men, 5,822 women, and 3,303 pedestrians were among those injured in various traffic mishaps.

A total of 10,661 passengers, 17,576 underage drivers, 26,755 motorcyclists, 2,546 car occupants, 795 truck drivers, 1,467 rickshaw drivers, 350 bus passengers, 480 wagon passengers, 251 tractor-trolley drivers, and 3,318 others were involved in these collisions.

Despite the rising death toll, citizens complain that the traffic police's efforts remain limited to issuing challans rather than addressing the root causes of accidents.

"Traffic wardens seem more focused on fines than managing traffic flow," said Sheikh Ali, a resident of Islamic Chowk, Ghulam Muhammadabad. "If they performed their duties properly, accidents would reduce. Some wardens issue up to 40 challans a day and consider their duty done."

District Emergency Officer Ehtisham Wahla of Rescue 1122 said most accidents stem from speeding and reckless driving.

He urged motorcyclists to wear helmets and use side mirrors while traveling to ensure safety.

Responding to criticism, Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Faisalabad Nasir Javed Rana said the Education Unit of Traffic Police has been conducting four to five awareness seminars daily in various institutions. "Campaigns to promote road safety are ongoing," he said. "Alongside challans, we have impounded vehicles, canceled licenses of reckless drivers, and filed FIRs against violators."

He added that modern, technology-based traffic signals are being installed across Faisalabad for the first time, with work already underway.

This year, the traffic police registered 4,138 FIRs for speeding and one-wheeling, including 463 cases in Lyallpur Town Division, 1,843 in Madina Town Division, 1,038 in Iqbal Town Division, 488 in Jaranwala Division and 306 in Sadar Division.

Despite these measures, residents and safety experts stress that comprehensive road safety education, stricter enforcement and better traffic management are essential to curb the growing number of accidents that continue to claim lives across Faisalabad.