Pakistan’s Dangerous Elite Convoy Culture

Asem Mustafa Awan

Islamabad: The recent death of twenty-three-year-old Abu Bakar has shed light on the tragic consequences of high-speed official convoys in Pakistan.

Abu Bakar, the sole breadwinner for his family, lost his life when Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz’s entourage collided with his motorcycle on the Narowal-Shakargarh Road.

Despite the severity of the collision, the entourage fled the scene without stopping to assess the situation.

This incident underscores a larger issue of impunity and disregard for ordinary citizens on the roads.

In response to growing social media pressure and public outcry, the government issued a cheque for Rs2.5 million to Abu Bakar’s family.

Narowal Deputy Commissioner Syed Hasan Raza and MPA Ahmad Iqbal visited Abu Bakar’s residence in village Jasar to convey condolences and provide financial support to the victim’s family.

This compensation, while a gesture of condolence, cannot undo the irreparable loss suffered by Abu Bakar’s family.

Every day, Pakistan’s roads witness the arrogant behavior of the rich and powerful as they speed past in their official escorts, accompanied by gunmen who intimidate and harass other commuters.

Overtaking these convoys is strictly forbidden, as it might disturb the “Sahib” (Boss), resulting in severe punishment.

The sight of these elite motorcades has become a form of entertainment for impoverished bystanders, who witness expensive vehicles speeding by, oblivious to the human lives they endanger.

The disparity between the opulence of these official escorts and the meager earnings of the common man reflects broader economic struggles faced by many in Pakistan.

Countless individuals have left the country in search of better opportunities abroad, selling their belongings and risking their lives on perilous journeys.
The recent tragedy involving over 300 Pakistani migrants who drowned off the Greek coast serves as a grim reminder of the desperation faced by many.

In the aftermath of Abu Bakar’s death, a dubious narrative emerged attempting to explain away the incident.

Related:https://thepenpk.com/abu-bakars-death-and-elites-escape/

However, witnesses and the public rejected this account, demanding a thorough judicial investigation into what they believed was a deliberate act of murder due to criminal negligence.

This incident is not an isolated one.

Similar accidents involving high-speed vehicles have occurred in the past, with little accountability or justice for the victims.

The need for speed and the culture of impunity among the elite have created a climate where human lives are disposable and justice is elusive.

The prevalence of corruption in Pakistan further exacerbates these issues. The pursuit of power and influence often comes at the expense of integrity and accountability.

Those in positions of authority frequently use their connections and wealth to avoid consequences for their actions.

Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz’s recent trip to Kartarpur Corridor by helicopter exemplifies the disconnect between the ruling class and the realities faced by ordinary citizens. The callous response of her protection squad, including the ambulance driver who turned a blind eye, highlights the systemic failures that enable such tragedies to occur.

It is imperative that justice be served for Abu Bakar and his family.

The state must demonstrate that it values the lives of all its citizens by holding those responsible for this tragedy accountable, regardless of their status or connections.

Only through genuine accountability and reform can such senseless loss of life be prevented in the future.

The writer is a journalist based in Islamabad and writes on a wide range of issues.

Photo Credit: Social Media Representational Image