LOWER DIR – Once considered a relatively peaceful and serene district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Lower Dir is now facing an alarming rise in traffic accidents. Every passing day brings tragic news of lives lost on the roads – many of them young, full of promise, and yet victims of preventable circumstances.
A combination of reckless driving, underage driving, unlicensed drivers, and a blatant disregard for traffic laws is fueling this crisis. Local hospitals and emergency services report a growing number of road traffic injuries and fatalities, particularly among teenagers and young adults. Parents mourn the loss of their sons, communities grieve over the untimely deaths of students and breadwinners, and yet the roads remain as dangerous as ever.
The people of Lower Dir are raising their voices, demanding immediate government attention. “Our children are dying on these roads,” says a local elder from Timergara. “We see bikes racing with no helmets, young boys barely in their teens driving cars without any training. Where are the authorities?”
Local said that the problem lies not only in individual behaviour but also in the lack of effective enforcement of traffic regulations. The traffic police department in Lower Dir is reportedly under-resourced and often unable to maintain a visible presence in high-risk areas. While some sporadic crackdowns on unlicensed drivers have taken place, long-term and consistent enforcement remains elusive.
Educational institutions and civil society groups are also beginning to step in. Some schools have launched awareness campaigns, emphasising road safety and the legal requirements of obtaining a driving license. However, these efforts remain scattered and insufficient without broader institutional support.
Local people suggest the need for a multi-pronged approach, including Strict enforcement of age and license requirements, road safety education at the school and community levels, improved infrastructure, including signage and pedestrian zones, Regular monitoring and training for local traffic personnel
For the people of Lower Dir, the issue is not just about traffic—it’s about saving lives. Until authorities take firm action and the public adopts responsible behaviour, the roads of Lower Dir will continue to pose a deadly threat to the youth and underage drivers.
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