'One road accident takes place after every 69 seconds'

LAHORE : Emergency Services and Health minister Khawaja Salman Rafiq Saturday said the provincial government was providing emergency care services to all citizens of the province.

Expressing his solidarity with victims of road accidents to mark World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, the minister said authorities are urging people to wear helmets as 83 percent road accident victims are motorcyclists.

Parliamentary Secretary of Emergency Services Department Zia Ullah Shah emphasised the importance of responsible driving and adherence to traffic laws.

Secretary Emergency Services Dr Rizwan Naseer expressed his concern over increasing numbers of road traffic crashes especially due to motorbikes and tractor trolleys. He said in Punjab one road accident takes place after 69 seconds which means 11 people die in road accidents daily in the province. He directed all District Emergency Officers (DEOs) to collaborate with relevant law enforcement agencies to prevent illegal parking of tractor trolleys on roads.

Meanwhile, Deputy Divisional Superintendent of Pakistan Railways Fatima Bilal Saturday visited Badami Bagh Railway Station to streamline land issues of the PR.

Her visit aimed at handling outstanding contractor dues and oversee the implementation of digital reforms in the Lahore Division's land branch. On the occasion, she urged the contractors to clear their dues within stipulated period, otherwise they would face departmental action.