Overloaded lorries.

THIS refers to the editorial 'Secure transport' (Feb 20). There is no denying that in Pakistan the concept of road safety is only present in official files. Overloaded and unfit lorries are seen on highways and motorways, putting everyone at risk, claiming lives and damaging infrastructure.

The Fleet Operators Association of Pakistan (FOAP) has made repeated attempts to bring this often-ignored issue to light. In communication with the highest and the most relevant offices of the land, it has been repeatedly requested to enforce the law of the land regarding axle load limit, which is part of the National Highways Safety Ordi-nance, 2000 (NHSO-2000).

Our members have filed lawsuits in various high courts for the strict implementation of the Axle Load Regime (ALR) as well as the National Trucking Policy. Despite making commitments to implement the NHSO-2000 stipulations, the federal government has been relaxing the same to favour commodity importers and producers.

The human's life is invaluable and needs to precede everything else. According to a report released by the World Bank on road safety, accidents cost Pakistan $12,550 million, or about 4.5...