TAXILA: Alleged negligence in the execution of ongoing road construction work risking life and limbs of commuters travelling on the inter-provincial Rawalpindi-Kohat Road near Jand town of Attock, as fatal and non-fatal accidents become the order of the day, once again exposing serious safety shortcomings on public highways.

Preliminary reports indicate that on Friday car skidded upon encountering loose gravel scattered across the highway, reportedly left unattended by a contractor engaged in shoulder development work.

Eyewitnesses alleged that the site lacked mandatory warning signage, reflective markers, and proper barricading – creating a perilous stretch for unsuspecting commuters.

Eyewitnesses claimed that no warning signboards, reflectors, or proper barricading had been installed at the site, creating a hazardous stretch for unsuspecting motorists.

Residents say it lacks warning signs, reflective markers, and proper barricading

Rescue teams promptly reached the scene, administered first aid, and shifted the injured to a nearby hospital. Officials stated that the condition of the injured persons is stable.

The residents of the area were of the view that small vehicles, especially cars, rickshaws and motorcyclists, are the main victims as they fell prey to alleged safety shortcomings by the concerned contractor.

They were of the view that rampant incidents on the road in Jand area raised concerns about safety compliance, particularly in the wake of the tragic Lahore drainage line incident, which claimed two lives.

Following that tragedy, the Punjab Chief Minister had directed all departments to ensure the installation of clear warning signs, safety boards, and proper cordoning off of construction zones across the province.

However, despite these explicit directives, the Highway Department has allegedly failed to implement the required safety measures at several ongoing work sites, for reasons that remain unclear. The lack of enforcement and oversight has sparked criticism from residents and commuters alike.

When contacted, officials from the Highway Department stated that the construction work was being carried out in accordance with standard operating procedures and that temporary warning signs had been placed at the site.

They suggested that over-speeding or driver negligence could also have contributed to the accident.

Residents have urged the authorities of Punjab highway department and the deputy

commissioner of Attock to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and ensure strict compliance with safety protocols so that road development activities do not continue to risk the lives and limbs of commuters on busy highways.

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2026