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 Colonel Sher Khan junction on Friday, according to the National Highway and Motorway Police (NHMP).
A statement from the NHMP said Afridi was traveling from Islamabad to Peshawar in a car along with his driver when the vehicle reportedly developed a mechanical fault and veered off the highway.
The accident caused serious injuries to the PML-N leader, which cost him his life, although his driver only suffered minor injuries in the incident, according to the statement.
“The driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle due to a sudden malfunction, resulting in it sinking into the storm water drainage channel of the road,” an NHMP official said. The express PAkGazette.
Highway police and rescue teams immediately arrived at the scene of the accident and provided primary care to the victims. Despite medical assistance, the senator died instantly, after which his body was taken to the hospital.
Motorway police said preliminary findings suggested that the accident occurred due to a sudden mechanical failure in the vehicle and that an investigation was underway to determine the exact causes.
Senate President Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani expressed grief over the death and extended condolences to Afridi’s family.
He said Afridi’s parliamentary, political and public services will 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, his political wisdom and his efforts to uphold parliamentary traditions remained highly commendable.”
Gilani further said that the nation lost a “sincere, dignified and people-oriented political figure whose contributions will continue to be recognized with respect and appreciation.”
Accident on Swat Highway near Katlang It claims the lives of a girl and an NHMP official
Separately, a motorway police officer and a young woman were killed in a road accident near Katlang on the Swat Highway, an NHMP spokesperson said. The express PAkGazette on Friday.
According to the highway police, sub-inspectors Nizamuddin and Akbar Ali were carrying out speed limit enforcement duties when a speeding car hit them, resulting in the death of the former. Another official in charge of 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 woman who was traveling with her parents in the car that allegedly collided with the NHMP vehicle. The parents of the deceased were taken to the MMC for immediate medical attention.
According to preliminary investigations carried out by the highway police, the accident was due to the driver’s reckless driving and excessive speed.
