Road accidents are a common occurrence in Pakistan, but the case involving Natasha Danish, the affluent spouse of a businessman, has captured significant media attention. This intensified focus began with dramatic photographs from the accident scene, which continued with images of Natasha in custody, and these were further magnified by viral AI-generated visuals. The widespread dissemination of these images has ignited a crucial public debate about the potential influence of wealth on legal outcomes, drawing substantial criticism and concern.
The accident on Karachi's Karsaz Road, which involved Natasha Danish’s speeding Toyota Land Cruiser on 19 August, led to a collision with three motorcycles and another vehicle, resulting in the deaths of 60-year-old Imran Arif and his 22-year-old daughter Amna, and injuries to three others. Natasha was arrested, and a special investigation team was formed. Her husband Danish Iqbal was initially implicated but later received protective bail. On 28 August, Sindh IG Police Ghulam Nabi Memon revealed that Natasha was under the influence of crystal meth at the time of the incident, prompting an additional FIR under the Prohibition Order. Although Natasha has been granted bail concerning the accident, she remains in custody pending the narcotics case, with bail set at Rs 100,000 for her and Rs 50,000 for her husband.
This case prompts us to question whether our attention should be limited to the role of wealth, or if more complex, systemic issues are at work. The ongoing public debate hints that the interplay between financial power and legal justice might expose deeper, underlying problems beyond just monetary influence. Are there other cases that echo this scenario? If so, what factors, apart from wealth and legal justice, contribute to the undermining of accountability for the killings of innocent individuals?
In 2014, when I was just 8 years old, and my brother was 6, our world was irrevocably shattered. Our father died in a road accident on a notorious stretch of road in Sargodha, where heavy trucks, often operating recklessly, were a common sight
A recent report revealed that around 500 people are injured in road traffic accidents in Karachi on daily basis, with 70% of the victims being young motorcyclists. More than 1,400 citizens lost their lives and over 18,000 were wounded in road accidents in Karachi in 2023.
The Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023 indicates a slight decrease in global road traffic deaths to 1.19 million annually and some progress in safety measures. However, substantial efforts are still required to meet the 2030 goal of halving fatalities and injuries. The report assesses progress from the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011–2020 and sets a baseline for the 2021–2030 decade. WHO data shows road traffic crashes cause about 1.19 million deaths and 20-50 million injuries each year, with over half involving vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for ages 5 to 29, with two-thirds of deaths in those aged 18 to 59. Notably, 90% of fatalities occur in low- and middle-income countries, which hold about 60% of the world’s vehicles. In Pakistan, road traffic accident deaths reached 28,170 in 2020, making up 1.93% of total deaths, with an age-adjusted death rate of 15.18 per 100,000, ranking Pakistan #95 globally.
In 2014, when I was just 8 years old, and my brother was 6, our world was irrevocably shattered. Our father died in a road accident on a notorious stretch of road in Sargodha, where heavy trucks, often operating recklessly, were a common sight. This road turn, known locally as "Killing Corner" due to its frequent accidents, should have been off-limits to such vehicles. Yet, due to lax enforcement of regulations and the influence of the traffic mafia, it remained perilous. In those agonising moments, while our family clung to hope, praying for a miracle, we were blindsided by the cruel reality that our father had died at the scene. This tragic event exposed us to a harsh truth: the truck driver responsible for the calamity faced no legal repercussions. The traffic system, distorted by corruption and outdated laws, failed to hold him accountable. We also learned that my father’s lack of a helmet had contributed to his fatal injuries.
This tragedy, experienced at such a young age, galvanised us into action. My brother and I, driven by grief and a desire for justice, established "Kids for Safety," an initiative aimed at raising awareness about road safety. Working with Prof Zain Ul Abiddin, then a traffic inspector from the Punjab Patrolling Police in Sargodha, we sought to educate others and advocate for more stringent traffic regulations. Our mission was not only to honour our father’s memory but also to ensure that no other family would endure the same loss. As I grew older, I noticed alarming trends: many of my peers were driving without licenses, reflecting a broader systemic issue. Despite occasional encouragement from my own driver to drive illegally, I remained committed to following traffic laws. This principle became a foundation of my behaviour.
Moving to the USA has profoundly deepened my perspective on road safety, sparking a continuous stream of observation and analysis. The contrast between road safety here and in Pakistan is striking. The USA benefits from well-maintained roads, rigorous vehicle safety inspections, and strict law enforcement, including effective measures against speeding, DUI, and non-compliance with seat belt laws. Additionally, the country’s comprehensive road safety education programs and advanced emergency response systems contribute significantly to lower accident rates and fatalities. In stark contrast, Pakistan faces challenges such as inconsistent road conditions, less stringent enforcement, and limited emergency services, leading to higher accident rates and fatalities. This disparity not only ignites my curiosity but also drives me to explore how the effective practices observed in the USA could be adapted and implemented to enhance road safety globally, aiming to bridge the gap and improve standards everywhere.
These stories are not just fodder for outrage or criticism; they are poignant reminders to examine the profound impact on families whose lives, forever altered by enduring suffering, may never be the same, and elucidate the need to address the systemic issues causing such distress
The UN Road Safety Strategy is pivotal for the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) due to the high risks road traffic crashes pose to UN personnel and the communities they serve. Launched in 2019, this strategy aims to halve road crashes by 2030, in line with the Global Decade of Action for Road Safety and Sustainable Development Goal 3.6. By focusing on road safety management, vehicle safety, user behavior, and infrastructure, the Strategy provides a comprehensive framework for reducing fatalities and injuries. This holistic approach is vital for ensuring both the safety of UN operations and the broader goal of sustainable development. On 31 August 2020, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution A/74/299, endorsing the Strategy and the Stockholm Declaration, and initiated the Second Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030), aiming to cut road deaths by 50% with support from WHO and other stakeholders.
Since road traffic crashes inflict severe harm on individuals, communities, and national resources, leading to grief, healthcare costs, and economic losses, the UN Economic Commission for Europe proposed Global Road Safety Week in March 2005. Endorsed by the UN General Assembly in October 2005, the initiative was expanded beyond UNECE. The inaugural week in 2007, themed "Youth Road Safety," focused on young drivers due to their high accident rates, aiming to raise awareness among all road users. The 7th UN Global Road Safety Week took place from May 15-21, 2023, urging policymakers to #RethinkMobility. The goal was to enhance safety and convenience for walking, cycling, and public transport, encouraging a shift towards active and sustainable mobility, as recommended in the Global Plan for the Decade of Action 2021-2030.
When reflecting on past tragedies—whether it's the story of a father who perished a decade ago, leaving behind minors and a grieving widow, whose loss went largely unnoticed by the media, or a more recent, viral tragedy involving a daughter and her father—the outcomes are strikingly similar. These stories are not just fodder for outrage or criticism; they are poignant reminders to examine the profound impact on families whose lives, forever altered by enduring suffering, may never be the same, and elucidate the need to address the systemic issues causing such distress.
I discerned from my experience that alongside the comprehensive framework covering road safety management, vehicle safety, user behaviour, and infrastructure to reduce fatalities and injuries, our focus must be on two key areas. Firstly, we must establish and rigorously enforce comprehensive traffic regulations. Traffic safety extends beyond mere law enforcement; it embodies our collective duty as a community. Secondly, we need to focus on educating our children about the importance of adhering to these regulations. By advocating for and complying with well-structured traffic laws, we can mitigate unnecessary losses and safeguard the well-being of our communities. This dual strategy not only honours those we have lost but also deepens our commitment to fostering a safer and more conscientious society for future generations.