Dozens Are Killed in Two Bus Crashes in Pakistan
At least 37 people, including a dozen returning from a religious pilgrimage in Iraq, lost their lives on Sunday in two separate bus accidents in Pakistan, according to officials.
While investigations are ongoing, the accidents underscore persistent issues with road safety in Pakistan. Experts attribute these problems to poor road conditions, lax traffic enforcement, and a high rate of fatal crashes.
Syed Kaleem Imam, a former police inspector general, highlighted the contributing factors: “Poor enforcement, untrained traffic officers, and unsafe vehicles exacerbate the situation.”
The first crash took place in Balochistan, where a bus carrying pilgrims returning from Iraq plunged into a ravine along a coastal highway. The accident resulted in 12 deaths and 23 injuries, with preliminary reports suggesting speeding or brake failure as potential causes.
Each year, approximately 50,000 Pakistanis travel to Iraq to observe the Shiite holiday of Arbaeen, reflecting the significance of these pilgrimages.
