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In 2026, urbanisation and constant flood problems in Pakistan are two major reasons for road infrastructure problems. If you daily commute in Pakistan, then endless traffic jams and dealing with potholes must be a common cause.

This blog is designed to break down the top five infrastructure problems Pakistan will be facing in 2026. Some tips are also shared to help you navigate more safely.

The five main problems faced by Pakistan’s roads are flood damage, funding shortage, urban congestion, poor upkeep, and safety gaps.

The Five Key Road Problems

We not only need to address them but also work on these problems to boost the economy and save thousands of lives.

1. Potholes And Uneven Surfaces

Potholes are hollow road surfaces formed by the action of water or erosion of rock. Uneven surfaces and potholes cause damage to cars and slow down traffic. In cities like Karachi or Lahore, road fixes fail within months or even weeks sometimes.

Impacts On Daily Life

According to a Reddit user @r/pakistan, “Pakistan has one of the best road infrastructures in South Asia, but for Islamabad to Karachi it takes only 17 hours”.

Many other social media users complain about local road neglect. People have to spend thousands yearly on vehicle repairs due to bumpy paths.

How To Spot And Avoid Pothole Risks

According to a blog in Pakistan Today, almost 4% of accidents happen due to poor road conditions. People need to drive slowly, especially in rainy seasons. If you spot any potholes, then fulfil your civic responsibility by reporting via the local helpline.

The following are the common pothole causes by region:

In 2025, floods washed away thousands of kilometres in Pakistan. Several bridges collapsed, and hundreds of structures were destroyed. Quality construction services with proper drainage systems are essential to prevent such damages.

2. Flood Damage and Poor Drainage

In 2025, floods washed away thousands of kilometres in Pakistan. Several bridges collapsed, and hundreds of structures were destroyed.

Why Do Floods Worsen Road Damage?

Climate change strengthens monsoons. Unfortunately, Pakistan does not have a good drainage system, which causes severe road damage. The following are the key ways floods damage roads:

• Heavy rains increase water pressure on roads
• Poor drainage traps water on surfaces
• Water enters small cracks easily
• Asphalt and concrete lose strength
• Road base becomes soft and unstable
• Traffic worsens water-logged damage
• Potholes form very quickly

Destruction Caused by the 2025 Floods in Pakistan

The World Bank reports floods tempered 2026 growth to 3%. Quote: “Immediate and lingering impacts of the recent floods are expected to weigh on growth.”

According to the national disaster management authority following are the 2025 flood damages:

3. Funding Shortages For Road Maintenance

In Pakistan, roads remain neglected due to budget shortages. Provinces get only 20 to 30% allocation for upkeep. Government organisations follow outdated practices that ignore the real needs of infrastructure. Professional engineering consultancy services can help optimize infrastructure budgets.

Affect On Safety And Economy

A social community discusses “Pakistan’s misguided obsession with infrastructure.” This means Pakistan needs to change its practices, as degraded roads cost 7.4% of GDP in crashes.

How You Can Help Push For Better Funding

As citizens of Pakistan, it is our noble responsibility to join the community work for infrastructure. We should vote for infrastructure-focused leaders.

4. Urban Traffic Congestion

Hours lost in traffic jams cause daily struggles for citizens. In Lahore, many flyovers have been built to increase road capacity.

The population rises, and in return, vehicles on the road rise, causing clogged streets. Where Lahore has flyers, many other cities suffer due to a lack of planning.

In 2025, Punjab 29% rise in crashes due to overloads. The following are some tips to beat congestion:

• Shift travel to off-peak hours
• Take public transport or shared shuttles
• Avoid unnecessary trips during rush hours
• Plan routes in advance
• Use alternative roads or bypasses

Here is a table comparing city congestion:

5. Road Safety Gaps & Design Deficiencies

Karachi experienced over 800 deaths alone in 2025 due to road accidents. Lahore, Islamabad, and other cities have different increased numbers just because of neglected road safety.

Lack of signs, lights, and barriers kills thousands of citizens. The government closes the motorway more often due to fog.

Key Safety Gaps

According to the Asian Transport Observatory, only ~1% of Pakistan roads are rated three stars, and others are far below average. 1 percent of Pakistani roads are safe for pedestrians only.

A report from the WHO reported that every year 1.35 million people die in traffic accidents, highlighting that Pakistan’s Road safety crisis is not isolated.

Personal Safety Steps: What You Can Do Daily

Whether you are walking or driving, take these actions if you want to reduce road risks.

As a Pedestrian

• Use designated crossing points and footpaths where available. If none exist, be extra cautious.
• Stay visible and wear reflective clothing at night.
• Avoid jaywalking across high-speed roads without signals or lights.

As a Motorcyclist

• Always wear a certified helmet, even on short trips.
• Keep headlights and brake lights functional.
• Maintain a safe speed, especially where roads narrow or foot traffic is heavy.

As a Driver

• Respect pedestrian priority, especially near schools and markets.
• Avoid tailgating, keeping a distance gives you time to react.
• Slow down in poor surface or poorly marked areas, common in cities and rural roads.

Using Public Transport

• Choose regulated buses or vans over risky private pickups when possible.
• Board and exit at safe spots, not mid-road.

Tech & Awareness

• Use GPS and traffic apps to spot accident-prone intersections and avoid them during peak times.
• Follow local traffic police alerts and crash reports to adjust routes and behaviours.

Conclusion

Road infrastructure issues in Pakistan are caused by weather, funding shortages, and planning gaps. The government should find better solutions, like proper drainage and funding, to avoid these issues in 2026. Professional construction companies with expertise in industrial and commercial construction can contribute to building better infrastructure.

As responsible citizens, we should strictly follow traffic rules and take safety measures to save our own and others’ lives. Let’s join local advocacy groups and report road issues through municipal applications. Together we can support Pakistan’s development. For infrastructure projects, contact professional construction services to ensure quality and durability.