RAWALPINDI: Additional Advocate General (AAG) Punjab on Tuesday informed the Lahore High Court (LHC) Rawalpindi bench that Punjab Road Safety Authority had been established and a summary moved for the appointment of its director general.

AAG Malik Amjad stated this before the LHC Rawalpindi bench during the hearing on a public interest petition filed by citizen Amna Hassan through advocates Syed Mozzam Ali Shah and Khadija Wazir.

The petition sought establishment of the Road Safety Authority as provided in the Act of 2023.

LHC Justice Mirza Viqas Rauf earlier issued the direction to the provincial government for taking appropriate steps.

AAG Amjad also informed the court that the rules to govern the said authority had also been devised.

A local resident of Rawalpindi had filed a writ petition in the LHC, urging the provincial government to implement the Punjab Road Safety Authority Act, 2023, which was enacted earlier this year but has yet to be fully enforced.

The act aims to establish a dedicated body responsible for enhancing road safety across the province, but critics say delays in its implementation are putting lives at risk.

The petition, filed by a concerned citizen, highlights the lack of action by the Punjab government, which had failed to notify the establishment of the Punjab Road Safety Authority, a step required under Section 3 of the Act.

According to the petitioner’s lawyer, despite several attempts to engage with the relevant authorities, no progress has been made to form the authority or implement the provisions outlined in the law.

“The delay in establishing the authority and implementing the provisions of this crucial law is directly impacting road safety in Punjab,” said the petitioner’s lawyer.

“As a result, road accidents continue to rise, and the lives of countless citizens remain at risk,” he said.

The Punjab Road Safety Authority Act, 2023, was designed to regulate driver training, enforce vehicle safety standards, audit road safety designs, and carry out public awareness campaigns to reduce accidents. However, these functions remain unaddressed due to the government’s failure to establish the authority, which is a prerequisite for its operations.

Recent statistics from the Rescue 1122 service paint a grim picture of road safety in Punjab. The 2023-2024 report shows a sharp increase in road accidents and fatalities, underscoring the urgent need for a regulatory body that can enforce road safety measures.

According to the petition, the failure of the Punjab government to act violates fundamental constitutional rights, particularly the right to life, as guaranteed under Article 9 of Pakistan’s Constitution.

The petitioner argues that the absence of the Punjab Road Safety Authority has led to continued road accidents, contributing to the loss of life and property.

The petitioner has called on the Lahore High Court to direct the Punjab government to immediately notify the establishment of the authority and appoint a director general as required by the Act. The petitioner also seeks the formulation of rules and regulations to ensure safe road designs, safe vehicles, properly trained drivers, and an efficient post-accident management system.

Published in Dawn, November 20th, 2024