By Ayesha Bashir
Turbat, the second-largest city of Balochistan, has increasingly become a place of sorrow as deadly road accidents continue to claim the lives of its young and hopeful citizens.
The quote, “Be alert! Road accidents hurt,” painfully reflects the harsh truth faced by families who lose their loved ones to reckless driving and unsafe roads. Each tragedy leaves behind silence, grief, and memories of unfulfilled dreams.
Growing toll on Turbat’s youth
Every few days, the city witnesses another collision — and with it, another set of lives lost. The youth who once left home to study, work, or visit family now return only as heartbreaking memories for those who awaited them.
Just two days ago, three young men died instantly when a speeding Zambad vehicle collided with their car. The driver fled, leaving the victims behind on the road.
On October 18, 2025, another accident shook the city when two brothers on a bicycle were hit by a car. Among them was Sir Jamal Rahim, a respected teacher at DELTA Academy Turbat, who died on the spot. His companion suffered serious injuries.
The brothers had just left the academy for their hometown Hoshab, about 117 kilometres from Turbat, to spend the weekend with family. Jamal’s mother had been waiting for his arrival — a wait that turned into lifelong grief.
Unsafe roads and absent governance
Such incidents are no longer rare in Balochistan. Broken roads, poor lighting, lack of speed control, and careless driving have turned the province’s highways into death traps.
Overspeeding, reckless overtaking, and mobile phone use while driving have become routine practices. Yet, government attention remains minimal, and enforcement is weak.
Each life lost is a reminder that road safety measures, awareness campaigns, and strict law enforcement are not luxuries but essential public responsibilities.
A call for action
The recurring tragedies in Turbat highlight a deep governance failure. It is painful to witness how neglect, indifference, and poor infrastructure continue to rob families of their loved ones and their future.
The people of Turbat call on the Government of Balochistan and local authorities to take urgent action. Roads must be repaired, traffic regulated, and awareness campaigns launched to promote safer driving.
Every statistic hides a personal story — a son who never returned home, a mother who still waits by the door, and dreams that ended too soon.
As the saying goes, “Drive like your own life depends on it — because it truly does.”
The writer is an ex-student of DELTA Academy Turbat.