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Still don't think you need a seatbelt? Shaniera Akram has something to say about that

Still don't think you need a seatbelt? Shaniera Akram has something to say about that

It might sound harsh but some things are worth it to save a life, she told her followers.
16 Jul, 2021

It may have just dawned on Shaniera Akram that people in Pakistan have a bit of a problem following road safety rules, or perhaps it was a long time coming. Either way, Akram recently took to social media to share her thoughts on the importance of wearing a seatbelt to those who refuse to understand.

The activist posted a series of Instagram stories to highlight the difference that wearing a seatbelt can make between life and death. This has come after Akram previously schooled actors Minal Khan and Ahsan Mohsin Ikram over the importance of road safety rules after they shared a video of themselves driving in the rain, with Khan not wearing a seatbelt and Ikram filming her while driving.

Akram's latest message was directed to those who don't wear seatbelts despite receiving reminders on the matter. "I'm going to say this for those few people who still think they don't need a seatbelt on because they are just driving a short distance and/or they are only driving slowly," she wrote.

"It doesn't matter what distance you are traveling or how fast you are going," Akram emphasised. "All it takes is one car to hit your car and your life or your loved ones life could be over."

The activist reminded everyone that this is a choice one has to live with forever.

Although she might sound harsh, Akram said she realises she needs to be so in order to "get through" to people.

She wrote, "If by posting this message, I've changed just one person's mind, and convinced them to now wear a seat belt, then in my mind it was worth it as I may have just saved your life!"

The activist also posted the message on Twitter, asking her followers to make wiser choices.

Author Bina Shah replied to Akram's tweet, saying "nobody thinks like this" in Pakistan. "Sorry to be cynical but I have never seen a country more irresponsible and careless than this one," she wrote.

Shah shared a few of the comments she's heard from people who don't wear seatbelts about their choice.

We hope that Akram manages to get through to her followers. Lots of people lose their lives to road accidents every day in Pakistan and many could have been saved if they practiced proper road safety, like wearing a seatbelt.

Comments

Chrís Dăn Jul 16, 2021 11:48am
She is completely right. However,I am afraid of a severe back-lash against her now by our casual drivers who consist of 99% of Pakistanis.
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Practical Jul 16, 2021 11:49am
It is a filmy dialogue “ Laws are made to be broken”. It is a different mind set for the locals.
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Chrís Dăn Jul 16, 2021 11:49am
I hope our Ombudsperson for human rights reads Mrs.Akramś message.
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Parvez Jul 16, 2021 11:54am
Excellent topic and correctly said ..... possibly its something in the water we drink. Even for me it took a while to adjust to automatically putting on my seat belt.....possibly its because in the city due to traffic congestion we move at a fairly slow pace and the majority of accidents are minor....but on the highway and for that one-in-a-thousand incident I agree the seat belt is a MUST.
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Hasan Malik Jul 16, 2021 12:00pm
She is right and I agree with her. Celebrities are followed by millions and they should act responsibly as young people take inspiration from them
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haseeb Jul 16, 2021 12:41pm
I had a very serious accident last week on Motorway Islamabad-Lahore and the only thing that saved me from any fatality or serious injury was the seat belt along with prayers of all well wishers. So, seat belt matters and please wear it if not for yourself than for your families
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Uzair Jul 16, 2021 12:51pm
More than safety, it is about our attitudes in life. When we think we can do less than proper in one area, it carries over to all others. And it is clear as day that we don't care about doing things properly.
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INDEPENDENT Jul 16, 2021 01:19pm
The government institutions and the people are still in a sleeping mode.
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SYED ADNAN SHAFQAT Jul 16, 2021 01:44pm
Super agreed with Mrs. Wasim Akram. She always point out the very simple and basic elements of our daily lives. Thumbs up !
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Hira Iqbal Jul 16, 2021 01:58pm
@Chrís Dăn completely agree with you Chris up to the point- as always
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Ibrahim S Jul 16, 2021 06:32pm
@Practical Agreed. But who respects law in this country. It’s a pure Class society full of haves and haven nots
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