Pakistan has approved the national consultation process for the ratification and implementation of the National Road Safety Strategy 2018-2030 and Action Plan 2018-2022.

The decision was taken at the meeting of the 3rd National Steering Committee for the Development of Road Safety Plan for National Highways & Motorways of Pakistan.

Hosted by the Ministry of Communication (MoC), the meeting deliberated on various aspects to improve road safety in the country.

The new road safety strategy and action plan will be supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) and Pakistan’s National Road Safety Awareness Campaign.

ADB Pakistan country director Xiaohong Yang said: “As Pakistan is investing big to upgrade its transport and road infrastructure, matching efforts are required to catch up with other countries in boosting road safety standards.

“Improving road safety not only means saving precious lives, but also ensuring sustainable and inclusive economic development through smooth and efficient connectivity between growth centres.”

“Estimates suggest there are at least 25,000 fatalities on Pakistan’s roads every month and that 39% of all reported incidents include fatalities.”

Following the approval, MoC has also proposed to engage National Road Safety Council, which will be responsible for delivering the strategy to improve road safety in the country.

DFID Pakistan Economic Growth Group head Patricia Seex said: “Estimates suggest there are at least 25,000 fatalities on Pakistan’s roads every month and that 39% of all reported incidents include fatalities.

“In Pakistan, in partnership with ADB, we are committed to improving the policy and regulatory environment governing the transport sector, including ensuring safety of the road networks.”

The proposed strategy is devised on a safe system approach emphasising on delivering safe roads, safe road users, safer vehicles, and improved post-crash care.

Headed by MoC, the Steering Committee is composed of Planning Commission; Ministries of Finance, Interior, Industries and Production, Science and Technology; National Highways Authority; and various other government departments and members of civil society.