A file photo of former PML-N senator Taj Afridi. — SENATE WEBSITE
Former Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz senator Taj Afridi died in a road accident on the M-1 highway near the Colonel Sher Khan Interchange on Friday, according to the National Highways and Motorways Police (NHMP).
An NHMP statement said Afridi was traveling from Islamabad to Peshawar in a car with his driver when the vehicle allegedly developed a mechanical problem and left the highway.
The accident seriously injured the PML-N leader, costing him his life, although his driver was only slightly injured in the incident, the statement added.
“The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle due to a sudden malfunction, causing it to plunge into the roadside rainwater drainage channel,” an NHMP official said. The Express PK Press Club.
Traffic police and rescue teams immediately arrived at the scene of the accident and provided first aid to the victims. Despite medical assistance, the senator died on the spot, after which his body was taken to the hospital.
Highway Patrol said preliminary findings suggested the accident was caused by a sudden mechanical failure of the vehicle, and an investigation was underway to determine the exact causes.
Senate President Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani expressed grief over the death and offered condolences to Afridi’s family.
He said Afridi’s parliamentary, political and public services would always be remembered.
“The demise of the former senator is a significant loss to the nation as well as parliamentary circles,” Gilani said, adding that Afridi played an important role in promoting public welfare in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, strengthening democratic values and contributing to the legislative process.
“Taj Muhammad Afridi’s dedication to public service, political wisdom and efforts to uphold parliamentary traditions remains highly commendable.”
Gilani further said the nation had lost a “sincere, dignified and people-oriented political personality, whose contributions will continue to be recognized with respect and appreciation.”
Swat highway accident near Katlang Costs the lives of an NHMP official and a girl
Separately, a traffic police official and a girl died in a road accident near Katlang on Swat Highway, an NHMP spokesperson said. The Express PK Press Club Friday.
According to the Motorway Police, sub-inspectors Nizamuddin and Akbar Ali were on a mission to enforce speed limits when a speeding car hit them, leading to the death of the former. Another official responsible for collecting fines was also injured in the accident.
The two injured NHMP officials were receiving tertiary care at the Mardan Medical Complex (MMC).
The accident also claimed the life of a young girl who was traveling with her parents in the car that allegedly hit the NHMP vehicle. The parents of the deceased were shifted to MMC for immediate medical attention.
According to the preliminary investigation carried out by the highway police, the accident was caused by reckless driving and excessive speed of the car driver.
