Karachi dumper owners’ protest after fatal accident cripples traffic

KARACHI: A tragic traffic accident in Karachi claimed the lives of two siblings when a dumper truck collided with their motorcycle on Rashid Minhas Road on Sunday. The incident sparked violent protests, with enraged residents reportedly setting a dumper alight in retaliation.

Following the accident, members of the Karachi Dumpers Association launched demonstrations at multiple locations, including the Super Highway, National Highway, and Rashid Minhas Road.

Protesters used dumpers to block key routes, severely disrupting traffic. Vehicles travelling from Sohrab Goth to Moti Mahal were diverted via Pakistan Highway, causing heavy congestion at Ayesha Manzil and surrounding areas.

Dumpers Association leaders are claiming that nine of their vehicles were damaged in the unrest, resulting in losses exceeding Rs 300 million. “We will not use the Super Highway until those responsible are arrested,” said Liaquat Mehsud, a senior leader of the association.

Police teams, including SSP Gulberg, engaged in prolonged negotiations with protesters, but a deadlock persisted for hours. Demonstrators insisted their sit-ins would continue until Sindh Provincial Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon personally arrived to address their grievances.

Around 3:30 PM, the association ended its sit-in on the National Highway, allowing traffic to resume. However, protests and partial blockages continue at other locations, keeping the city’s traffic network under pressure.

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