Why Did Road Deaths in Punjab Soar by 19% in 2025?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, Pakistan's Punjab province has witnessed a staggering rise in road traffic fatalities, with nearly 4,800 lives lost in 2025 alone. This alarming trend raises urgent questions about road safety in the region and the increasing severity of traffic accidents. What can be done to reverse this tragic tide?
Key Takeaways
- 4,791 fatalities reported in Punjab due to RTCs in 2025.
- 19% increase in road deaths compared to 2024.
- 482,870 accidents recorded in Punjab in 2025.
- Majority of accidents involved motorcycles (75%).
- 80.6% of injured individuals were men.
Islamabad, Dec 25 (NationPress) A staggering 4,791 individuals have tragically lost their lives in road traffic crashes (RTCs) throughout Punjab, Pakistan in 2025, representing a significant 19% increase in fatalities from the previous year, according to reports from the nation’s emergency response service, Rescue 1122.
The annual statistics released by the emergency service reveal that Punjab experienced 482,870 road traffic accidents in 2025, resulting in nearly 570,000 injuries.
In contrast, 2024 saw 467,561 accidents leading to 4,139 deaths, while 2023 recorded 420,387 crashes and 3,967 fatalities.
This data highlights a concerning trend, with road traffic incidents rising by 5.8% in 2025, compared to an 11.9% increase in 2024, but the death toll has escalated alarmingly, indicating a worsening severity of accidents, as reported by the Express Tribune.
During an annual operational review meeting focused on road traffic incidents, Emergency Services Secretary Rizwan Naseer expressed his concern over the statistics.
"In Pakistan, a road traffic accident occurs almost every minute, and sadly, the primary victims are often the breadwinners of families," Naseer remarked, calling the situation in Punjab "extremely alarming".
The meeting included virtual participation from various emergency services leaders, provincial monitoring officers, and district emergency officers (DEOs).
Reports indicate that the statistics reflect an uptick in RTCs across 34 other districts within Punjab.
A briefing by the head of operations highlighted that Lahore led the region with 88,743 road traffic accidents in 2025, followed by Faisalabad with 32,309 and Multan with 29,804.
Conversely, Murree recorded 1,889 accidents, while Attock and Jhelum reported 3,748 and 4,301 crashes, respectively.
An in-depth analysis identified that motorcycles accounted for 75% of all accidents, followed by cars at 8.6% and rickshaws at 4.7%.
Buses, trucks, and vans contributed 4.3% of the accidents, while 7.4% involved other vehicle types.
Pedestrians represented 10.34% of road accident victims, highlighting the risks faced by those navigating busy roads.
Data from Rescue 1122 indicated that the majority of injuries involved fractures and head traumas, including 39,250 cases of single fractures, 19,603 head injuries, 8,362 multiple fractures, and 1,125 spinal injuries.
Of the 569,901 individuals injured in road crashes, 80.6% were men, while 19.4% were women.
Point of View
It's essential to acknowledge the gravity of the situation regarding road traffic safety in Punjab. The alarming rise in fatalities demands immediate attention and action from authorities. While statistics reveal a troubling trend, they also present an opportunity for policymakers and communities to collaborate on improving road safety measures. The Nation stands firmly behind initiatives aimed at reducing these tragic losses.
NationPress
25/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the increase in road traffic deaths in Punjab?
The increase in road traffic deaths in Punjab can be attributed to multiple factors, including a rise in the number of vehicles, inadequate road safety measures, and increased recklessness among drivers.
What are the most common types of accidents in Punjab?
Motorcycles account for the majority of accidents at 75%, followed by cars and rickshaws.
How can road safety be improved in Punjab?
Improving road safety in Punjab requires better enforcement of traffic laws, public awareness campaigns, and infrastructure improvements to enhance road conditions.
