ISLAMABAD: Besides the loss of precious human lives, the economic cost of road traffic crashes in middle-income countries is estimated to be as high as 5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).
These statistics have been shared National Highway and Motorways Police (NHMP) in a statement.
The report revealed that Pakistan’s GDP is projected to increase to $360 billion in 2020 (Ministry of Finance 2017; World Bank, 2017). If this projection is correct, based on a conservative cost of 3% of GDP, road traffic crashes could cost the Pakistan economic condition about USD 11 billion in 2020.
Justifying the hike in fines, the NHMP stated that this is aimed at saving human and economic losses.
A quick glance at the cross-country comparison for fine rates indicates that Pakistan is amongst the few countries where, despite revision after nineteen years, fines for traffic violations are the least.
In case of over speeding, the amount of fine in Pakistan is Rs. 2500/- whereas it is £1000 (Rs. 202,747) in England, AED 300-3000 (Rs. 12,653 to 126,527) in United Arab Emirates, Saudi Riyal 300-2000 (Rs. 12,391 to 82,604) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Similarly, the fine rate for driving without a license in Pakistan is Rs. 5000/- whereas it is £1000 (Rs. 202,747) in England, AED 400-500 (Rs. 16,870 to 21,088) in United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Riyal 150-300 (Rs. 6,195 to 12,391) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The earlier fine rates were framed in 2000, at the time of promulgation of NHSO. The objective of this revision is to promote a culture of responsible driving and maximize safety of commuters on national road network. One of the major indicators for sustainable development is responsible and compliant road behavior of drivers which is ensured through strict enforcement.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that in 2016, more than 27,500 people were killed, and an estimated 500,000 people were treated in hospitals/health units because of road traffic crashes in Pakistan, the statement reads.
This is almost three times greater than the number of combined deaths in terrorism (956) and homicide (8516) for the corresponding year. Road traffic crashes are the number one cause of death among those aged 15-29 years.
In order to meet its commitment to Sustainable Development Goals and the UN 2030 Global Road Safety Performance Targets, it is imperative for the Government of Pakistan to reduce the number of road crashes and save more than 6,000 lives lost therein. In fulfillment of this commitment, the incumbent government revised the rates of traffic violations on national highways and motorways.
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