27/02/2025
Legal Perspective on the Baseen Road Tragedy
By Amna Zamir Shah
The tragic road accident in Basin, Gilgit, that claimed the lives of three young sisters and left another critically injured is truly heartbreaking.
The victims, who were on their way to school, lost their lives due to reckless driving—a stark reminder of the urgent need for stricter road safety measures and greater accountability.
Such incidents demand immediate action from the authorities to ensure that those responsible face justice and that similar tragedies are prevented in the future.
In the wake of the accident, enraged locals set the vehicle on fire and blocked the road in protest. While the grief and anger of the community are entirely understandable, taking the law into one’s own hands carries serious legal consequences.
Under Section 435 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), destroying property by fire is a criminal offence punishable by up to seven years’ imprisonment and a fine. Additionally, Section 427 of the PPC penalises damage to property, with punishments including up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
While public outrage is justified, justice must be pursued through lawful means to ensure accountability without obstructing investigations or exacerbating tensions.
The driver responsible for this tragedy must be held accountable under Section 320 of the PPC, which deals with causing death by reckless driving, and Section 279, which penalises rash and negligent driving.
This incident must serve as a wake-up call for the authorities to strictly enforce traffic laws, improve road safety measures—particularly in school zones—and take swift legal action against reckless drivers.
At the same time, it is imperative to foster community awareness about lawful ways to seek justice.
Beyond individual accountability, this tragedy highlights deep-rooted structural issues that continue to make Gilgit’s roads increasingly hazardous.
The city’s roads are severely overcrowded, with no designated parking areas, no traffic lights, and a complete absence of an effective traffic management system.
There is no proper oversight regarding the competence of drivers or the roadworthiness of vehicles, allowing untrained individuals and unfit vehicles to pose a constant danger. Without strict regulations and proper enforcement, road safety will remain a neglected issue, and innocent lives will continue to be lost.
To bring meaningful change, the authorities must introduce comprehensive urban planning, establish proper parking facilities, install traffic signals, and enforce strict checks on both drivers and vehicles.
Road safety awareness programmes, particularly in school zones, should be launched, and the traffic police must be equipped and empowered to enforce the law without leniency.
Until these fundamental measures are implemented, such devastating accidents will persist, leaving families shattered and communities in mourning.
This is a moment for deep reflection and decisive action. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved family.
May the departed souls rest in eternal peace.
