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 Motorway Police (NHMP).
A statement from the NHMP said Afridi was commuting from Islamabad to Peshawar in a car with his driver when the vehicle allegedly developed a mechanical fault and veered off the highway.
The accident resulted in serious injuries to the PML-N leader and claimed his life, though his driver sustained only minor injuries in the incident, the statement further said.
“The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle due to a sudden malfunction, causing it to plunge into the roadside rainwater drain,” an NHMP official said. Express Pakinomist.
Highway police and rescue teams immediately arrived at the scene of the accident and provided first aid to the victims. Despite medical attention, the senator died on the spot, after which his body was taken to the hospital.
The highway police said preliminary findings indicated that the accident happened due to a sudden mechanical failure of the vehicle and an investigation was underway to establish the exact causes.
Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani expressed grief over the death and condoled with Afridi’s family.
He said that 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, political wisdom and efforts to uphold parliamentary traditions remained highly commendable.”
Gilani further said that the nation lost a “sincere, dignified and people-oriented political figure whose contribution will continue to be recognized with respect and appreciation”.
Swat highway accident near Katlang takes life of NHMP official, girl
Separately, a highway police constable and a young girl died in a road accident near Katlang on the Swat Expressway, an NHMP spokesperson said. Express Pakinomist on Friday.
According to the highway police, sub-inspectors Nizamuddin and Akbar Ali were doing speed limit enforcement when a speeding car hit them, resulting in the death of the former. Another official responsible for collecting fines was also injured in the accident.
The two injured NHMP officials received 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 reportedly hit the NHMP’s vehicle. The parents of the deceased were transferred to MMC for immediate medical attention.
According to preliminary investigations by the highway police, the accident was caused by the driver’s reckless driving and speed.
