Dumper and Oil Tankers Association protest in Karachi against vehicle burning, attacks on drivers

The Dumper and Oil Tankers Association has announced a protest starting Tuesday, refusing to bring any vehicles into Karachi, following the government’s ban on heavy traffic and the recent attacks on drivers by outraged locals after traffic accidents.

Deadly traffic accidents involving speeding dumpers have become increasingly frequent in Karachi, claiming several lives and sparking outrage among city residents against truck drivers.

In recent incidents, locals set fire to at least four heavy vehicles following accidents.

President of the Dumper and Oil Tanker Association, Liaqat Mehsud stated, "We will park all our vehicles in the city and will not operate a single vehicle."

Read More: Govt bans daytime entry of dumpers in Karachi

He added that the protest would involve a coalition of 15 transporters. "We will ensure that transporters reach the areas where drivers are attacked or vehicles are vandalised," he said.

In response to why heavy traffic runs in the city during the day, Mehsud clarified that the court did not impose a ban on heavy vehicles.

He emphasised that dumpers and trucks are essential for ongoing development projects in various areas of Karachi.

Check: Speeding dumper hits bike in Karachi's Steel Town, one killed

He also noted that while the government has taken action against truck drivers following accidents, some vehicles, which were not involved in the incidents, were wrongly set on fire by locals in Orangi.

According to Mehsud, these accidents predominantly involve bike riders, who are often responsible for the collisions.