Islamabad Police clarified that no wrongdoing occurred when a driverless car, demonstrated by a university student, collided with a police van during an interview. The incident quickly gained attention on social media after the vehicle unexpectedly veered toward the police vehicle, resulting in a loud impact. The reporter present attempted to engage the handbrake as the car changed direction.
In a detailed statement released on Tuesday, SP City Dr Ayaz Hussain explained that an investigation found no evidence of any offense. He attributed the collision to human error during the testing of the student’s invention. Dr Ayaz, speaking alongside the student inventor, praised the project as a genuine innovation and highlighted such talent as vital to Pakistan’s future. He emphasized Islamabad Police’s support for young innovators, considering them a valuable asset for the country.
The student, Ehsan Zafar Abbasi, a third-semester Computer Engineering student at COMSATS University Abbottabad and resident of Abbottabad, shared insights into the project. Ehsan revealed he had been engaged in practical engineering work since 2018, operating a home laboratory where he developed various projects. The vehicle involved was his creation—an internet-controlled driverless car—and he had traveled to Islamabad specifically to showcase it during the interview.
Ehsan explained that the crash happened when the cameraman requested to see the mobile phone used to control the car. While preparing to display the phone, Ehsan accidentally pressed the left control key instead of the right one, causing the car to turn left and collide with the police vehicle. He expressed gratitude for the cooperation extended by Islamabad Police after the incident.
Following the viral spread of the video, Islamabad Police re-engaged with Ehsan to examine the car’s system thoroughly. Ehsan thanked SP City Dr Ayaz Hussain for his understanding and for inquiring about both the software and hardware aspects before drawing conclusions. Looking ahead, Ehsan is determined to continue advancing his practical skills and aims to gain international recognition for his work, aspiring to serve Pakistan and inspire other young Pakistanis.
