Journalist blasts dumper association for offering blood money instead of taking safety measures

A journalist slammed the bigwigs of the dumper association for their stance of offering blood money to victims of heavy vehicle accidents in an attempt to stop angry public from burning dumpers after road crashes.

Addressing a press conference in the Karachi Press Club, members of the association stated, "We pay tax to mafias and the government as well. The association would resist the attempt to disturb the law and order situation in Karachi on April 12,” referring to the call for protest by Mohajir Qoumi Movement Haqiqi (MQM-H).

Defending themselves in response to journalists’ questions about the rising number of dumper-related accidents in Karachi, they condemned the practice of setting dumpers on fire. They said they were ready to come to the negotiation table and 'pay blood money' in such cases.

Read: Enraged mob torches dumper after motorcyclist killed in Gulistan-e-Jauhar

During the press conference, a journalist strongly criticised their stance, saying, “You have told us that you pay tax to mafias and the government, and are ready to pay money to victims. does that mean your dumpers will keep killing people, and you’ll just pay blood money for each fatality?”

“You need to establish a mechanism, follow the SOPs formed by the government, such as ensuring drivers have valid licenses and that your vehicles pass fitness tests so that people can be protected from tragic deaths,” he added. 

He urged them to focus on protecting lives instead of engaging in political battles.

The journalist also claimed that he had witnessed dumper drivers using drugs, and alleged that they cannot operate vehicles without being under the influence.

Read: Sindh govt announces new timings for dumpers in Karachi

However, refuting the journalist's claims, the association announced a protest on April 16 and made it clear that they would resist any action from any political party if they tried to create disturbance. 

The call of protest came after Muhajir Qoumi Movement Haqiqi (MQM-H) head Afaq Ahmed announced the “White Flag Movement” against dumpers mafia, scheduled to begin on April 12 in Karachi.

Afaq Ahmed had said that the protest was not for any political party, nationality or sect but for the people living in Karachi. He added that if the government tries to stop peaceful protesters, “the people will fight the mafia with their flagpoles.”