MQM leader urges CJP to tackle Karachi’s deadly traffic accidents

(Web Desk): Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) leader and Deputy Parliamentary Leader in the Sindh Assembly, Taha Ahmed Khan, has written a letter to the Chief Justice of Pakistan, asking for urgent attention to the increasing number of deadly traffic accidents in Karachi.

In his letter, Taha expressed deep sadness over a recent tragic incident at Malir Halt, where a pregnant woman, her husband, and their baby lost their lives. The woman’s baby was born prematurely due to the accident and also died on the spot. Taha highlighted that since the beginning of 2025, there have been 207 deaths and 2,623 injuries due to traffic accidents across Karachi.

He urged the Chief Justice to take immediate action and demanded strict penalties for those responsible for the Malir Halt incident. He questioned why the Sindh government provides compensation to those who die after consuming toxic alcohol but not to the citizens of Karachi who die in traffic accidents.

Taha called for stricter regulations to control illegal dumpers and heavy vehicles, stressing the need for measures to protect the lives and property of Karachi’s residents. He also called for legal action against those who break traffic laws and act negligently. Additionally, he demanded compensation for the families of those killed in accidents, improvements to the city’s road conditions, and the installation of streetlights.

Taha pointed out that the rising number of accidents violates Articles 9 and 25 of Pakistan’s Constitution, which guarantee citizens' rights to life and equality. He called for strict enforcement of the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1965 and the Sindh Motor Vehicle Rules 1969, along with action against violations under Sections 279 and 304-A of the Pakistan Penal Code.

He also suggested allocating specific times and routes for heavy vehicles, setting up speed cameras, improving the challan system, and conducting regular vehicle fitness checks. Taha emphasized that innocent lives are being lost, and the Supreme Court must act swiftly.

An eyewitness shared heartbreaking details of the road crash, where a water tanker, driven recklessly, struck a young man, his pregnant wife, and caused the premature birth of their baby. The couple, identified as Abdul Qayum and Zainab, were returning from a check-up at Kohi Goth Hospital when the accident occurred near Malir Halt Flyover in Model Colony.