Karachi's roads turn deadly
Commuters try to avoid potholes on a road in the city. The recent downpour has created craters on many roads exposing the quality of the work of the civic authorities. Photo: Express
Karachi's crumbling infrastructure is not just a matter of inconvenienceit has become a public safety crisis. Every day, ordinary citizens pay the price in lives, injuries, and financial hardship. Government inaction continues to fuel frustration, as potholes claim lives with alarming regularity.
A report by a local welfare organization shows that during the first two months of 2026, 100 people lost their lives in traffic accidents caused by potholes across Karachi, while 1,048 were injured. Among the deceased were 73 men, 12 women, 13 boys, and 2 girls. The injured included 838 men, 145 women, 49 boys, and 16 girls.
Daily-wage worker Adil shared his experience from the Liaquatabad Post Office. Riding at night with his wife, he was unable to see a pothole in the dark and fell. Adil fractured his right leg, while his wife suffered injuries to both hands. "I cannot work for two to three months due to this injury," he said. "These roads are causing immense physical and financial hardship for ordinary citizens."
Similarly, a private TV cameraman, Javed, broke his arm when his motorcycle slipped on a broken street while traveling from Jahangir Road. "Accidents like these are daily. Nearly 90 per cent of Karachi's roads are in a poor condition, yet authorities remain indifferent," claimed Javed.
Medical experts highlighted that falling from a motorcycle carried a 90 per cent chance of fractures to arms and legs. "Recovery takes two to three months. During this time, victims are unable to work, causing serious financial strain for families. Reckless driving, combined with crumbling roads, is a major cause of accidents," confirmed Dr Muhammad Suleman, Joint Director of Orthopaedics at Jinnah Hospital.
Heavy vehicles have significantly contributed to the rising toll. Trailers alone caused 10 deaths, while dumpers, water tankers, buses, and Mazdas accounted for dozens more. In January, 21 people died in accidents involving heavy vehicles. Night-time accidents are particularly deadly, worsened by potholes and poorly lit streets.
The city's major roads have long been neglected. The Safora GothNIPA Chowrangi road, Hasan Square, and Jail Chowrangi have been in a poor condition due to delayed development work since 2022. Other severely damaged areas include Gulshan-e-Iqbal (Block 13D near Rab Medical Center), Maskan Chowrangi, Sehba Akhter Road, Abul Hasan Isphahani Road, Liaquatabad to Hasan Square, and Liaquatabad No. 10 to Nazimabad.
Similarly, Shahrah-e-Ibne Sina near Shuhada Mosque, UP Mor North Karachi, Jail Chowrangi to Mazar-e-Quaid, Jail Road to Jamshed Road, Jahangir Road, Gurumandir Chowrangi to Patel Para Road, MA Jinnah Road, Tibet Center, Nishtar Road Garden, and suburban stretches including Safora to Kiran Hospital Road, Gulzar-e-Hijri Road, and Jamali Bridge to Safora too have reported potholes.
Statistics for January alone underlined the crisis: 80 peopleincluding 59 men, 9 women, and 14 childrendied, while 873 were injured, comprising 695 men, 125 women, and 39 children. Nighttime remains the deadliest period. Potholes, broken asphalt, and lack of street lighting turn routine travel into a gamble.
In this regard, experts stressed urgent action. "Unless roads are repaired and traffic regulations enforced, Karachi will continue to lose lives unnecessarily," said a spokesperson for a welfare organization. Citizens echoed the same call, warning that the "City of Lights" risked turning into a city of ruins.