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Chaos Erupts in Karachi: Water Crisis and Transport Protests
Chaos grips Karachi! Freight trucks and water tankers set ablaze, sparking transport strikes and severe water shortages. Citizens face mounting challenges.
ND
by News Desk
2025-02-11
Chaos Erupts in Karachi: Water Crisis and Transport Protests

Karachi faces severe unrest as public outrage over heavy traffic has escalated into violent incidents, with several freight trucks and water tankers set on fire. The situation has prompted transporters to stage protests, paralyzing key roads and highways while exacerbating the city's water crisis.

Transport Protests Intensify

The All Pakistan Transport Association announced sit-ins on major routes, including the National Highway, Hub Toll Plaza, and Super Highway. Transporters claim that vehicle arson is part of a conspiracy aimed at destabilizing their operations.

Due to these sit-ins, critical roads such as Port Qasim, Hub Chowki, and New Sabzi Mandi have been blocked, creating difficulties for commuters and supply chains. Transporters have warned of further disruptions unless their grievances are addressed.

Speaking at a press conference, Malik Ilyas and Tariq Gujjar, representatives of the transporters, condemned the attacks on vehicles and criticized government officials for issuing provocative statements. They urged the government to convene all stakeholders and establish an effective Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for smoother operations.

Violent Incidents and Law Enforcement Response

Multiple incidents of vehicle arson have been reported in Landhi, Korangi, and Surjani Town. According to police, unknown individuals set fire to trucks loaded with goods and a water tanker, causing significant damage. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported.

Police are investigating the incidents and have vowed to take strict action against those responsible. DIG East Usman Ghani emphasized that law and order will be maintained at all costs.

Dumper and Oil Tanker Association Joins Protests

The Dumper and Oil Tanker Association has threatened to block the city's entry and exit routes. Association leader Liaquat Mehsud stated that dumpers are essential for development work and should not be restricted. He demanded accountability for the arson incidents and called for legal action against any reckless drivers.

Water Crisis Worsens

The arson attacks have led to a complete suspension of the city's water tanker services. According to Hydrant Cell Focal Person Shahbaz Bashir, the daily supply of 1,500 tankers has been halted as tanker owners and staff refuse to operate due to safety concerns.

Citizens are facing severe water shortages, with complaints mounting from various neighborhoods.

Rising Traffic Fatalities

In a tragic turn, a motorcyclist named Muhammad Siddiq lost his life after being hit by a high-speed dumper near Musharraf Colony. In another accident, a pregnant woman died, and her daughter was injured near Ladiya Town. The number of fatalities from traffic accidents in Karachi this year has reached 104.

Calls for Government Action

Transporters have demanded immediate compensation for the damaged vehicles and a comprehensive plan to prevent future incidents. They warned of halting all operations in the city if their demands are not met.

The situation calls for urgent government intervention to restore peace, ensure the safe operation of transport services, and address the worsening water crisis in Karachi.

 
Tagged:

WaterCrisis

KarachiTraffic

KarachiProtests

TransportStrike
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