Across Pakistan, pedestrians frequently face broken footpaths, blocked walkways, unsafe crossings and roads designed mainly for vehicles. For an elderly person, child, student or someone with a disability, crossing a busy road can become a daily challenge. The problem is a lack of pedestrian-focused planning. A newly constructed road may improve traffic flow but leave people with nowhere safe to walk. Footpaths are often occupied by parked cars, shops or construction material, forcing pedestrians onto the road. Urban authorities should make pedestrian safety a basic requirement of city planning. Continuous footpaths, marked crossings, pedestrian signals, ramps and adequate street lighting should be treated as essential infrastructure. Existing footpaths should also be protected from encroachment and maintained regularly.
Ummama Tul Zooha
Islamabad
