What's happened
On August 25, 2024, two separate bus accidents in Pakistan resulted in at least 37 fatalities and numerous injuries. The incidents occurred within hours of each other, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety in the country, particularly for pilgrims returning from religious observances in Iraq.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, 'the accidents highlighted road safety in a country that experts say is known for poor road conditions.' The South China Morning Post noted that 'bus crashes are common in Pakistan, mostly because of negligence by drivers.' The Independent reported that 'the tragic accidents have prompted an outpouring of grief and sympathy in Pakistan,' indicating a societal response to the ongoing safety issues.
How we got here
The accidents occurred shortly after a previous bus crash in Iran that killed 28 Pakistani pilgrims. Thousands travel annually to Iraq for the Arbaeen pilgrimage, marking the death of Imam Hussein, a significant figure in Shiite Islam. Poor road conditions and inadequate traffic enforcement contribute to frequent accidents in Pakistan.
More on these topics
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Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It is the world's fifth-most populous country with a population exceeding 212.2 million. It is the 33rd-largest country by area, spanning 881,913 square kilometres.
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Iraq, officially the Republic of Iraq, is a country in Western Asia, bordered by Turkey to the north, Iran to the east, Kuwait to the southeast, Saudi Arabia to the south, Jordan to the southwest and Syria to the west.
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Shia Islam or Shi'ism is one of the two main branches of Islam. It holds that the Islamic prophet Muhammad designated Ali ibn Abi Talib as his successor and the Imam after him, most notably at the event of Ghadir Khumm, but was prevented from the caliphat