Death rates from road traffic collisions by country, per 100,000 inhabitants, world map (WHO 2012). Pakistan's traffic fatality rate was about 11.9 per 100,000 people as of 2023.[1][note 1]
fewer than 5
5-10
10-15
15-20
20-25
25-30
30-35
35-40
more than 40
Traffic collisions in Pakistan are among the highest in the world, with thousands of lives lost and many severely injured each year.[2] In 2021 alone, 10,379 road accidents resulted in some 5,608 fatalities.[3] Former Minister of Communications, Murad Saeed, stated that "in Pakistan, a person is killed or severely injured in a road accident every five minutes."[4]Pakistan also ranks first in Asia for most deaths caused by traffic accidents.[5][6] Additionally, Karachi also ranks 4th globally for cities with the highest road accident fatalities.[5][7] Major causes include reckless driving, poor road conditions, and inadequate traffic management.
Statistics
Traffic accidents in Pakistan by year
Year
Total number of accidents
Accident
Persons
Total number of vehicles involved
Fatal
Non-fatal
Killed
Injured
2006-07
10,466
4,535
5,931
5,465
12,875
11,481
2007-08
10,466
4,610
5,856
5,615
12,096
11,456
2008-09
9,496
4,145
5,351
4,907
11,037
10,322
2009-10
9,747
4,378
5,369
5,280
11,173
10,496
2010-11
9,723
4,280
5,443
5,271
11,383
10,822
2011-12
9,140
3,966
5,174
4,758
10,145
9,986
2012-13
8,988
3,884
5,104
4,719
9,710
9,876
2013-14
8,359
3,500
4,859
4,348
9,777
9,423
2014-15
7,865
3,214
4,651
3,954
9,661
8,949
2015-16
9,100
3,591
5,509
4,448
11,544
10,636
2016-17
9,582
4,036
5,546
5,047
12,696
11,317
2017-18
11,121
4,829
6,292
5,948
14,489
13,134
2018-19
10,779
4,878
5,901
5,932
13,219
12,908
2019-20
9,701
4,397
5,298
5,436
12,317
12,894
Traffic accidents by province
Punjab had the most and Balochistan had the least ratio of traffic accidents from 2000 to 2010, as compared to other provinces of Pakistan.[8]
Most common vehicles involved in road accidents in Pakistan[14]
Motorbikes (87.5%)
Rickshaws (6.8%)
Cars (2.4%)
Trucks (1.6%)
Other (1.6%)
Economic cost
A study by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) estimated that road accidents in Pakistan resulted in $5.4 billion in losses in 2015 alone.[15] According to a 2018 report of Ministry of Communications, Pakistan incurs an annual loss of approximately $9 billion due to road traffic accidents.[16]
Contributing factors
The primary causes of these accidents are irresponsible road behaviours, such as jaywalking, speeding, running red lights, and driving on wet roads. Poor road condition also contribute significantly, leading to moderate to severe injuries. Many roads in Pakistan are poorly maintained, with potholes, cracks, and inadequate lighting, making nighttime driving especially hazardous.[17]
Road safety measures
National Road Safety Strategy (2018–2030)
The Ministry of Communication, in collaboration with ADB and the UK Department for International Development, launched "The Pakistan National Road Safety Strategy (2018–2030)." This strategy builds on the foundation of the first National Road Safety Plan for Motorways and National Highways (2017–2018) and expands its focus to cover all road networks and user groups across Pakistan.[18][4] It sets key priorities for initiatives aimed at saving over 6,000 lives by 2030. To ensure effective implementation, a series of action plans aligned with the government's planning cycle will be developed, beginning with the National Road Safety Action Plan (2020–2024). Each plan will address current road safety trends, emerging issues, and priorities, outlining detailed actions to be taken.[19]
National Road Safety Action Plan (2020–2024)
The Action Plan is one of two national initiatives designed to support Pakistan's National Road Safety Strategy (2018–2030). Developed in collaboration with ADB and key federal and provincial government agencies responsible for transport, road safety, traffic enforcement, and post-crash response, the plan aims to address critical road safety issues. It received support and endorsement from the National Steering Committee for Road Safety Actions during its 4th meeting, held on 26 February 2020.[20]
