Pakistan Bans 20-Year-Old Vehicles on Motorways to Enhance Road Safety

In a significant move aimed at improving road safety, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan, has proposed a ban on vehicles older than 20 years from accessing the country’s motorways. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce traffic accidents and ensure safer travel conditions on national highways.

During a recent visit to the National Highways and Motorway Police Headquarters in Islamabad, Minister Khan expressed concern over the increasing number of accidents involving outdated vehicles. He highlighted the need for strict measures to address this issue, suggesting that vehicles exceeding two decades in age should be restricted from motorway usage unless they meet updated safety standards, including certified tires and valid fitness certificates.

While this proposal has garnered attention, it’s important to note that it has not yet been officially passed. The minister has instructed the Motorway Police to develop a complete policy addressing this and other safety concerns. In the interim, a zero-tolerance approach towards speeding and axle load violations has been implemented to curb direct risks on the roads.

Additionally, the government plans to mandate fitness certifications for all commercial vehicles within the next three months and introduce technical training programs for drivers. These steps aim to promote the overall safety standards of Pakistan’s transportation network.

As conferences continue, stakeholders and the public await further details on the implementation of these proposed measures. The success of such ambitions will depend on effective enforcement, public awareness, and collaboration between federal and provincial authorities.