The N-25 [National Highway 25] is an 813 kilometer national highway which extends along from Karachi (Sindh) to Chaman in Balochistan. The highway was constructed during governance of Sardar Atta Ullah Mengal as Chief Minister of Baluchistan. The National Highway was previously known as the Regional Cooperation for Development Highway (RCD Highway). Along with highway, it is now termed as “The Mortal Highway Of Balochistan”.
In addition, it is the only highway which links Balochistan with Iran and Afghanistan. It also links
Balochistan to Sindh province. But, traveling on this road has proved to be very dangerous as it is a lethal highway of Balochistan.
According to some news bureaus, every year, the highway causes deaths of about 6,000 to 8,000 people through accidents. Even long marches were organized by several non Governmental organizations on foot from Quetta to Karachi. In contrast, no action has been taken by National Highway Authority and the government.
Sadly, these roads were constructed ages ago and are still serving as highways for people of Balochistan. The broken roads and single-lane highways are leading causes of casualties in Balochistan. According to some reports, Balochistan has suffered more from road accidents than terrorism. The single lane from Karachi to Quetta is no less than a death trap.
Citing Pakistan Bureau of Statistics Data on Traffic, an average of 15 people die every day in Pakistan, out of which, approximately, some of seven belong to Balochistan. This results in regular traffic congestions and accidents. Quetta-Karachi Highway must be entirely converted into multi-lane route to ensure a smoother and safer flow of traffic.
In conclusion, Quetta-Karachi route is the second largest highway of Pakistan. It must not be ignored to revolutionize. This is the duty and responsibility of government and National Highway Authority to revolute this narrow highway to avoid accidents. It must be re-constructed into a multi-lane highway as soon as possible.