ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Police has decided not to take action against a university student after his experimental driverless car accidentally collided with a police vehicle during a test in the capital.
The incident gained attention after a video of the test went viral on social media. The footage showed the vehicle operating without a driver before suddenly losing control and crashing into a police mobile. Following an inquiry, police concluded that the collision was an accidental incident caused by a human error during the test.
Police Support Student’s Innovation
SP City Dr Ayaz Hussain said the student, Ehsan Zafar Abbasi, is a third-semester Computer Engineering student at COMSATS University. He described young innovators such as Abbasi as an important part of Pakistan’s future and said the vehicle was being tested as part of an innovation project.
Police said the student would not face action over the incident and would instead be given an opportunity to continue working on his project.
Student Explains How the Crash Happened
Abbasi said he had maintained a home laboratory since 2018, where he had been working on practical projects. His driverless vehicle project was designed to allow a car to operate using internet-based controls.
He explained that he was speaking with a journalist during the test when the wrong button was pressed. As a result, the vehicle turned in the opposite direction and collided with the police vehicle.
Abbasi said Islamabad Police cooperated with him, examined the system and discussed how the technology worked with him.
The student said he intends to continue developing his inventions and hopes his work will encourage other young people and contribute to bringing recognition to Pakistan.