THE safety issues plaguing amusement parks in Pakistan have raised serious concerns in recent years. A tragic incident at an amusement park in Karachi’s Clifton area resulted in the death of a 17-year-old, prompting questions about responsibility. Some have attributed the accident to the boy’s negligence in not wearing his seat belt properly and standing up on a moving ride, while others have questioned the effectiveness of the security system in place.

Despite the significant increase in the number of amusement parks in Pakistan, there is a noticeable lack of effective supervision and safety protocols. Urgent action is needed to rectify this deficiency and prevent harm to unsuspecting individuals.

Regular inspections of rides are often not done, which has led to worn-out components, faulty safety features, and compromised structural integrity, increasing the likelihood of accidents and severe injuries, or worse. Additionally, the presence of inadequately trained or inexperienced ride operators further exacerbates the risks involved.

Amusement parks must adhere to a set of rules and regulations. State and local government norms, requirements, guidelines and standards should be followed by the management of amusement parks. To ensure that all of the rides and attractions are secure, the parks should regularly be subjected to safety assessments by insurance firms.

Collaboration with international safety experts and organisations is strongly encouraged to adopt global best practices, and improve the safety culture at the local amusement parks, providing visitors with a secure and enjoyable environment. Lives should not be endangered for entertainment.

Malaika Buland
Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 4th, 2023