Lahore grapples with rising traffic offences, unclaimed bodies

The year 2024 has brought to light concerning issues in Lahore, with a significant rise in traffic violations and a troubling increase in the recovery of unidentified bodies, highlighting challenges in public safety and social welfare. A report by the City Traffic Police Lahore revealed that 5.54 million citizens were penalised for violating traffic laws this year. These violations included reckless driving, ignoring lane discipline, and mobile phone usage while driving. Over 596,000 motorcyclists were fined for riding without helmets, while 1.68 million violations of basic road rules such as stop-line infractions were recorded. Unlicensed driving remained a major concern, with 617,000 vehicles operated by individuals without valid licenses. Authorities also flagged 62,778 vehicles driven by minors, raising questions about parental supervision. Another 69,886 vehicles were fined for emitting excessive smoke, exacerbating the city's air pollution crisis. The report also highlighted traffic disruptions, with over 133,000 vehicles causing congestion and 40,972 penalised for one-way violations. Drivers using mobile phones while behind the wheel were another significant concern, with 60,570 vehicles caught in violation. Lahore former CTO Ammara Athar stressed that the enforcement measures aim to save lives, not just generate revenue. She emphasized the importance of instilling road discipline, especially among motorcyclists, who form the majority of violators. To curb these offenses, strict fines of Rs2,000 have been implemented for serious infractions like helmet violations, unlicensed driving, and illegal parking. In another troubling trend, the Edhi Foundation Lahore reported the recovery of 597 unidentified bodies in 2024. Of these, 547 were buried unclaimed, while only 350 were identified through biometric records and returned to their families. The foundation noted a sharp increase in recoveries during the summer months, with June alone accounting for 78 bodies. July and May also saw high numbers, with 82 and 65 bodies recovered, respectively. Many of these cases involved individuals from marginalised communities, highlighting issues of homelessness, inadequate healthcare, and societal neglect. Despite the efforts of welfare organizations like Edhi, 52 bodies remain unidentified, underscoring the need for stronger social support systems and better coordination between authorities and community organizations. These reports paint a grim picture of Lahore's challenges in maintaining public safety and addressing social welfare concerns. While the City Traffic Police and Edhi Foundation have made strides in addressing these issues, much work remains to create a safer and more inclusive city. Addressing these concerns will require a collective effort from law enforcement, social welfare organizations, and citizens alike.

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