The Sindh High Court has ordered the registration of cases against the Chairman of the National Highway Authority (NHA) and the Inspector General of Motorway Police. The order relates to rising traffic accidents on highways.
The court issued the directive during a hearing on the poor condition of highways in Sindh. Officials from the NHA and the Motorway Police appeared before the court to explain the situation.
Justice Nisar Bhambhro expressed serious concern about the increasing number of accidents. He questioned whether authorities were taking proper steps to improve road safety. The judge also asked how many people had lost their lives due to highway accidents.
During the hearing, the court stressed the need for immediate registration of cases when accidents occur because of negligence or poor road conditions.
NHA Explains Ongoing Projects
NHA’s Member South, Abdul Latif Mehsar, told the court that several development projects are underway. He said 11 projects are currently being implemented, including highway rehabilitation work in Sindh.
The official also informed the court about emergency services available on the motorway network. According to him, a trauma and rescue center is operating at Nooriabad on the M-9 Motorway.
However, Justice Bhambhro criticized the performance of the NHA. He called it one of the most inefficient institutions and questioned the competence of officials managing highway projects.
Responsibility for Highway Safety
The NHA’s lawyer argued that accidents occur on many roads, not only on highways. He said issues such as driving licenses and vehicle fitness fall under the provincial government’s authority.
He also stated that the Sindh government had been asked many times to control overloaded vehicles. Overloading can damage roads and increase accident risks.
Justice Bhambhro replied that the NHA collects toll money and must fulfill its responsibilities. The court said the registration of cases would help ensure accountability for accidents caused by unsafe highways.
The court also discussed whether highway safety falls under provincial police or motorway police jurisdiction.
Possible Measures for Road Safety
The court warned that traffic could be stopped on damaged highways if repairs are delayed. It also suggested that highways could be handed over to the Sindh government if necessary.
During the hearing, judges discussed the condition of major roads, including travel between Hala and Sukkur. They questioned whether safe travel was possible on damaged highways.
NHA officials told the court that the Indus Highway restoration project may be completed by March. However, judges asked who would be responsible for accidents until then.
The Sindh High Court said it will issue a detailed order after reviewing the situation. The hearing was adjourned until April 10.
In other news read more about: Four Killed, Nine Injured in Separate Road Accidents on Sindh Highways
