BHIMBER (Kashmir English): Passenger coaches in Haveli continue to be overloaded with cargo and excess passengers, raising safety concerns as residents urge authorities to take action.
The problem concerning overloading passengers on coaches and busses for travelling between Rawalpindi and Forward Kahuta, Haveli Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) remains a major issue that is going unchecked. This has led to the locals raising serious concerns regarding the safety of roads and passengers.
As irresponsible and unfortunate as it is, it has become a common practice for the passenger coaches to load a ton of passengers, even on the rooftops. Leading to endangering precious lives. Just for some mere profit endangering precious lives. This dangerous trend has led to frequent accidents, yet authorities remain silent on the matter.
Reports indicate that vehicles travelling from Islamabad and Lahore to Haveli are often overloaded, especially during the night when it is easier to pass the authorities’ eyes, as drivers accept cargo in exchange for extra money. This practice is not only illegal but also compromises the safety of passengers travelling together, who are forced to endure these unsafe and overcrowded situations just for the sake of affordable travel.
The locals have repeatedly urged the district administration to take strict steps against these people who put human lives secondary, profiting over the overloading. Many people have argued that passenger coaches are meant to be a source of transport for people and not cargo, and using them otherwise endangers precious lives.
Expressing their discomfort with the situation, the locals have highlighted the recent tragic accident where five people lost their lives due to an accident that was caused by overloading and reckless behaviour. They are also left to ponder over who is to be blamed for these unfortunate occurrences, and how to avoid them. They also demand immediate intervention.
With overloading continuing unchecked, concerns are mounting that further accidents could occur if authorities fail to enforce strict regulations. Citizens are calling for a crackdown on overloaded vehicles, stressing that passenger safety must be prioritised over financial gains.
As the situation worsens, the lack of administrative action remains a major concern. Residents hope that authorities will take notice before another preventable disaster strikes.
