Tragic Bus Accidents in Pakistan Claim 37 Lives

At least 37 people, including 11 pilgrims, were killed and several others injured in two separate bus accidents in Pakistan. The first incident occurred on the Makran Coastal Highway, and the second in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. High-profile leaders expressed their condolences to the families affected.

At least 37 people, including 11 pilgrims, were tragically killed and several others injured in two separate bus accidents in Pakistan on Sunday. The first accident happened when a bus carrying 70 individuals veered off the Makran Coastal Highway in Balochistan province. Authorities confirmed that 11 people lost their lives and 35 others were injured in the mishap. The bus was en route from Iran to Punjab, bringing back Shia pilgrims.

The Makran Coastal Highway, a 653 km national highway, stretches along Pakistan's Arabian Sea coast from Karachi to Gwadar in Balochistan. Most of the passengers were from Lahore or Gujranwala, police sources reported. Hours later, another tragedy struck when a bus carrying 35 people fell into a ditch in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, resulting in 26 fatalities and three injuries, according to Qamar Nadeem of Edhi Foundation, which operates the largest private ambulance service.

According to officials, the cause of the second accident in the mountainous region remains unclear. Deputy Commissioner Sadhanoti, Umar Farooq, stated that the deceased included children, women, and men from the Sadhanoti district. Law enforcement and rescue teams were present at both sites of the incidents. President Asif Ali Zardari and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep sorrow and offered condolences to the affected families.

(With inputs from agencies.)