Karachi to see sharp rise in traffic-related deaths by 2025

Karachi: With 108 recorded so far in 2025, Karachi has seen a dramatic increase in traffic-related fatalities. Of these, 24 were documented in suburban areas and 72 in metropolitan areas, according to The News International. Road safety and heavy vehicle regulations are becoming more concerned as a result of the rise in accidents, especially those using dumper trucks.

In one of the incidents, a freight train struck a trailer close to Mai Kolachi, and then an oil tanker struck them from behind. The driver of the oil tanker was trapped inside after the accident smashed the front of the vessel. After being sent to the site, rescue crews put forth a lot of effort to liberate him. They were able to free the driver from the wreckage after much struggle.

Authorities verified that there was no railway crossing at the track where the incident happened, and police, rangers, and emergency personnel handled the issue at the scene. To avoid further dangers, efforts were also being made to move oil from the damaged vessel.

Mai Kolachi Road was very congested as a result of the collision. The road from Boat Basin to Jinnah Bridge was reopened by police, while the Mai Kolachi to Boat Basin segment was still blocked. MT Khan Road traffic was rerouted to PIDC, while Boat Basin traffic was rerouted to Bilawal Chowrangi. The tanker, trailer, and freight train were still being removed off the route by authorities.

Malir’s Memon Goth also saw a deadly accident that claimed a life. Rescuers first thought a dumper truck was involved, but further inspections turned up no proof. According to reports from The News International, officials are still investigating the deceased’s identity.

Sharjeel Inam Memon, the senior minister of Sindh, spoke to the media on Thursday about the government’s plans to combat the growing number of traffic accidents. Officials agreed to require fitness and registration inspections for all heavy transport trucks during a high-level meeting that was presided over by the chief minister. Large vehicles will need to have current fitness certifications going ahead, and those that don’t will not be allowed to drive.

A barcode system has been implemented by the water board for registered water tankers that operate from authorized hydrants, Memon further informed. Barcodes will only be issued to cars that pass safety tests; unregistered cars will be impounded.

Heavy trucks that have already been registered will also be reassessed. Vehicles have been given a grace period of 30 days to get the necessary certificates.

The Karachi dumper truck operation hours have been changed to significantly reduce traffic and improve safety. According to The News International, dumpers that were previously allowed to operate from 11:00 pm to 6:00 pm will now only be allowed to do so between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am.

Memon said on Geo Pakistan that it is unjust to hold one individual or organization responsible for the rise in traffic accidents in Karachi. He emphasized that the government, careless drivers, and others who break traffic regulations all have some of the blame. In order to increase enforcement, he further said that the government is thinking about outsourcing the transport department and that vehicle fitness rules are not new.