LAHORE: The Punjab province has witnessed approximately 30 per cent increase in the fatalities and injuries to the passengers in road accidents during the last two days as people in large numbers headed to their hometowns to celebrate Eidul Azha.

On the other hand, the mass movement has resulted in severe congestion at bus stands of Lahore including Lorry Adda, Niazi Adda, Babu Sabu, Shahdara (Bhati Chowk), Thokhar Niaz Beg etc where the passengers had to face overloading and overcharging issues.

The Punjab Emergency Service Department (Rescue 1122) has revealed official figures of the last three days marking the increase in the number of road crashes, deaths and injuries across the province.

According to the data, Rescue 1122 responded to 1,725 road traffic crashes (RTCs) in all 37 districts of Punjab during the last 24 hours.

10 die, 2,062 injured in 1,725 road crashes across province

In these accidents, 10 people died, whereas 2,062 were injured. Of them, 900 people with serious injuries were shifted to different hospitals, while 1,124 victims with minor injuries were treated on the spot by rescue medical teams thus reducing the burden of hospitals.

The comparison of the official figures with those reported on Monday, suggested that the department had responded to 1,427 RTCs wherein eight people had died while 1,705 were injured, 785 of them critically across the province.

Further sharing details of Tuesday’s accidents, Rescue 1122 stated that a majority (79 per cent) involved motorbikes, suggesting to the concerned authorities that effective enforcement of traffic laws and lane discipline were essential to reduce the increasing number of road accidents.

Furthermore, the analysis showed 1,198 drivers, 76 underage drivers, 195 pedestrians, and 641 passengers were among the victims of the accidents across Punjab.

According to the department, 413 RTCs were reported in Lahore which affected 519 persons placing the provincial capital at top of the list followed by Multan with 125 and Faisalabad 123 injured persons.

Out of the total 2,072 people, 1,748 males and 324 females got injuries. The age group of the victims shows that 431 were under 18 years of age, 1,035 were between 18 and 40 years and the rest of the 568 victims were reported above 40 years of age.

According to the data, 1,809 motorbikes, 148 auto-rickshaws, 168 cars, 55 vans, 17 passenger buses, 51 trucks and 112 other auto vehicles and slow-moving carts were involved in aforesaid road traffic accidents.

Following the situation, Rescue 1122 Secretary Dr Rizwan Naseer reviewed the district emergency plans for strict enforcement.

He said Rescue 1122 shall remain on high alert in all tehsils of district to ensure the timely provision of ambulance, rescue, water and fire services across Punjab during the Eid holidays.

He directed all district emergency officers (DEOs) to ensure foolproof arrangements for timely emergency services to the citizens.

He further emphasised that close coordination must be maintained with district and tehsil headquarters hospitals for the effective management of victims in case of any untoward situation.

During the meeting held here the other day, all DEOs briefed the secretary on the preparedness and implementation strategy for Eid in their respective districts, highlighting major challenges, key arrangements and coordination measures to ensure effective emergency response.

The operations head briefed the secretary that over 12,000 rescuers shall be deployed during Eid to provide timely and professional care in case of emergency in the province.

All these rescuers will be deputed in three shifts at more than 1,000 key points established across Punjab. As many as 2,300 rescue motorbikes, 896 emergency ambulances and 316 fire vehicles would be deployed in all districts of Punjab.

Special rescue posts will also be established at major Eid prayers venues to provide optimum emergency cover to the citizens of Punjab.

The provincial emergency operation centre at emergency services headquarters shall remain operational round-the-clock to ensure the monitoring and effective implementation of district emergency plans.

On this occasion, Dr. Rizwan Naseer requested all the citizens to drive carefully while going to their hometowns and avoid sudden overeating to save themselves from choking, food poisoning and gastroenteritis emergencies.

He urged all citizens to ensure safety precautions while visiting water recreational sites during Eid days. He emphasised the importance of strictly following all safety measures and advised people not to enter the water or boat without wearing life jackets.

Additionally, he appealed to young motorcyclists to refrain from performing dangerous stunts such as wheelie.

Published in Dawn, May 27th, 2026