Tensions Rise in Karachi Amidst Escalating Protests Against Commercial Trucks

Karachi, Feb 12 (NationPress) The economic heart of Pakistan and the capital of Sindh province experienced heightened tensions on Wednesday following escalating protests against commercial trucks linked to a series of deadly accidents within the city.

Demonstrations against these so-called “killer” trucks and dumpers led to instances of arson targeting vehicles in various neighborhoods, with calls for protesters to set fire to and puncture the tyres of trucks entering the city.

The unrest resulted in violent assaults on dumpers and trucks, creating an atmosphere of fear across the city.

Protesters set fire to at least four dumpers and trucks in different regions of Karachi, which prompted authorities to initiate actions against the offenders and arrest political figure Afaq Ahmed, leader of the MQM – Muhajir, for inciting his followers to attack trucks and dumpers.

This surge of violent protests is a reaction to numerous incidents involving road accidents with heavy trucks and dumpers. In response, the provincial government acknowledged the situation and limited the entry of heavy trucks into the city during daylight hours. Nevertheless, trucks continued to be seen traversing through the industrial sectors and other areas.

Over the past 42 days, at least 102 individuals in Karachi have tragically lost their lives due to road accidents involving heavy trucks, oil tankers, water tankers, and dumpers.

A group of young individuals vandalized at least four dumpers and trucks in the Landhi area of Karachi on Wednesday, while additional protesters set two freight trucks ablaze near Landhi No 4 and Landhi No 6.

Landhi SHO Malik Shehzad reported that police used tear gas and fired warning shots to disperse the crowd.

“The police are conducting investigations and have arrested 10 suspects believed to be involved in the arson. Efforts are underway to identify the masterminds behind the protests and violent actions,” the SHO stated.

Meanwhile, the apprehension of MQM–Muhajir chairman Afaq Ahmed has sparked concern among locals, who fear that his arrest could provoke further protests from his supporters.

Afaq Ahmed recently criticized the Sindh government and the heavy truck association for their role in the fatalities of local residents.

He accused the provincial government of neglecting the issue of heavy trucks operating in the city without accountability, urging his party members and local youth to take action against these vehicles wherever encountered.

Conversely, the tankers association has announced its own protests against the arson incidents and the vandalism of their trucks, pledging to block all access points to Karachi.

The Dumper and Oil Tankers Association has organized a sit-in on the National Highway to protest the burning of their vehicles by demonstrators. The association demands accountability for the perpetrators and has vowed to continue their protests until the Sindh government addresses their concerns.