What's happened
On August 25, 2024, two separate bus accidents in Pakistan resulted in at least 37 fatalities, including Shiite pilgrims returning from Iraq. The incidents, attributed to brake failures, highlight ongoing road safety issues in the country, prompting calls for improved traffic regulations.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, the first accident involved a bus carrying Shiite pilgrims that plunged into a ravine due to brake failure, resulting in 12 deaths and 23 injuries. The second crash in Kahuta claimed 25 lives, with officials citing similar causes. The South China Morning Post noted that negligence by drivers is a common issue in Pakistan, contributing to frequent accidents. The Independent highlighted the emotional toll on families and the urgent need for improved road safety measures, as echoed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's condolences and calls for better medical treatment for the injured.
How we got here
The accidents occurred shortly after a similar tragedy in Iran, where 28 Pakistani pilgrims died in a bus crash. Thousands travel annually to Iraq for the Arbaeen pilgrimage, marking the death of Imam Hussein, a significant figure in Shiite Islam.
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