Transporters across Pakistan have called on the government to establish Highway Emergency Services at regular intervals of 30 to 40 kilometers along national highways, saying the move is essential to improve road safety and reduce fatalities during accidents.
The demand was raised during a meeting of the All Pakistan Bus Owners Public Transport Association, where transport representatives discussed growing concerns over road accidents, vehicle fires, and delayed emergency response times on long routes. Transporters said that in many cases, victims suffer severe injuries simply because medical and rescue help take too long to arrive.
According to transport leaders, highways and motorways in Pakistan carry thousands of passengers daily, yet emergency infrastructure remains limited in several long stretches. They argued that establishing properly equipped service points at short intervals could significantly improve survival chances in critical situations.
These proposed Highway Emergency Services would include ambulances, fire brigades, and basic rescue units stationed along key routes. Transporters believe that quick response units could help manage accidents involving passenger buses, trucks, and fuel-related incidents more effectively.
During the meeting, transporters also highlighted the risks linked to driver fatigue. They urge operators to ensure drivers rest before long trips, especially on difficult northern routes. They stressed that human error due to exhaustion remains a major cause of road accidents.
Industry representatives further noted that incidents involving vehicle cylinder explosions and fire outbreaks often turn fatal due to delayed response. They said that even a few minutes of delay can result in heavy loss of life and property damage.
Transporters said the proposed system would not only save lives but also build public confidence in road travel. They added that safer highways could also support the transport sector by reducing operational risks and improving service reliability.
The association urges a nationwide highway emergency response network for road safety planning. They believe that structured emergency coverage could bring Pakistan’s highway safety standards closer to international practices.
