Federal Minister for Communications Dr Arbab Alamgir Khan has said though Road Safety is an international problem with far reaching effects on the society, reckless driving and ignorance of rules and traffic indiscipline have put the country in the list of states with high accident rate. However, he said, the NH&MP were combating this problem sensibly.
He was addressing a seminar organised by the National Highways & Motorway Police (NH&MP) N-5 Central, at a hotel on "Most Common Perils in Road Safety." He said, "Nations are recognised with their traffic discipline. It is rightly said if you intend to observe the discipline of a nation, see their traffic culture."
The minister said in the past the issues of road safety were not properly addressed in the county by the government and road users. However, with the hectic efforts of the NH&MP, people had now started following traffic rules as drivers had started wearing seat belt and observing traffic rules in a better way, he added.
The minister said the Motorway Police had changed the police culture and ensured a safe and trouble free journey for the people. "But the greatest endorsement of this fact comes from the general public and the road users who happen to be the first beneficiaries of the services provided by NH&MP."
The Minister for Communications further said it was heartening to note that there was more than 70 percent reduction in accident rate and more than 85 percent fall in crimes on highways, which were being patrolled by NH&MP. He said it was the duty of every citizen to abide by traffic rules and to follow road safety precautionary measures to save not only his own live but also the lives of others who were using road either as a pedestrian or a driver/commuter.
Apart from humanitarian aspects of road safety, it must be kept in mind that road accidents result in loss of scarce resources, which the developing countries like Pakistan could not afford. The minister added that research showed that cost of road accidents in most of the countries was equivalent to 1 to 3 percent of GDP.
Thus the loss to society both in human and monetary terms was significant and could not be overlooked. The main reason for this alarming situation was the lack of awareness of traffic rules and careless driving, whether it was due to lack of awareness or lack of direction.
He said it was imperative for everyone to address this problem and help protect life and property of people. He lauded the efforts of NH&MP in creating awareness on road and traffic discipline among the masses, but, he said, "We have to do a lot. I very strongly feel that bringing safety in our traffic culture is the responsibility of every citizen. The Motorway Police have given a right direction and now we as a Pakistani should respond."
Talking to reporters after the ceremony, he said situation in the Frontier was improving because of pragmatic strategy of the present government. Present rulers took measures on the permanent basis rather than ad hoc basis. The government would continue its sincere efforts for the eradication of terrorism in the country, he added.
He further said there was no harm in accepting financial assistance from foreigners attached with conditions. Secretary Communications Sharif Ahmed Khan also addressed the gathering and said that everyone was concerned about road safety, whether they were road users, pedestrians or motorists, the circumstances demanded full awareness of traffic rules and road discipline.
He said there were three factors which were major cause of chaotic conditions on roads, poor awareness about traffic laws, poor road conditions, which include traffic engineering aspects, and inadequate and poor enforcement of traffic laws. He further said reckless and rash driving was the single largest cause of unnatural deaths all over the world.
Over speeding and un-road worthy vehicles were resulting in a large number of deaths. In his opening address, Inspector General, National Highways & Motorways Police Dr Wasim Kausar said the NH&MP had given top priority to road safety in their agenda and had rightly made a part in its Mission Statement. Dr Wasim Kausar, Inspector General of Motorway Police said NH&MP were providing help to 2700 road users daily.
Deputy Inspector General of police, Syed Ibne Hussain gave a welcome and introductory address in the Seminar as well as on the importance of Road Safety, specially the role of environment, economics, engineering, education, and enforcement. GM NHA, Punjab Shahid Ihsan Ullah, Mujeeb ur Rehman Shami, Dr Zafer Iqbal, head of neurology Jinnah Hospital, Dr Rizwan Naseer Rescue 1122 , artist Irfan Khoosat, and many other road safety experts also spoke on the occasion.