Karachi dumper accidents: MQM-H chief Afaq Ahmed arrested for ‘inciting violence’

Karachi police arrested Mohajir Qaumi Movement (MQM-H) Chairman Afaq Ahmed on Tuesday following violent incidents in which citizens set dumper trucks on fire after multiple traffic accidents.

According to sources, Landhi police detained Ahmed from his residence in Defence, citing his recent speech as incitement that led to the unrest.

Police officials claim that his statement provoked individuals to attack and burn heavy vehicles operating during restricted hours.

Traffic accidents have been a growing concern in Karachi, with over 100 fatalities reported in the first 41 days of 2025.

Two days earlier, Afaq Ahmed held a press conference, issuing an ultimatum that heavy traffic should not be visible in the city during prohibited hours.

Expressing frustration over the government’s attitude towards Karachi's residents, he stated, “The government does not see the people of Karachi as human beings, but rather sees them as derelicts.”

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

“They have never considered people of this city as humans, there was a time when buses crushed the children while racing with each other, The city was in a similar mourning state back then due to fatal accidents,” Afaq noted. 

He recalled the fatal accident of Sir Syed College student Bushra Zaidi, who was hit by a minibus in 1985 while crossing the road to reach the college. The race between two buses led to her tragic death.

The incident sparked citywide protest from students and civil society, when demonstrators set several buses on fire, leading to the arrests and injuries of dozens during the clashes between police and protestors. 

Read: Govt bans daytime entry of dumpers in Karachi

Afaq Ahmed further said, "The heavy traffic has taken lives of 88 individuals within 50 days.”

“Regrettably, the government has not even offered condolences, nor have they attempted to take measures against it,” he added.

“I want to make it clear that we cannot see more fatalities of our people because it has gone beyond the limit,” MQM-H chief continued. 

Issuing the ultimatum, Afaq Ahmed demanded that the Sindh government compensate the heirs of victims who died in accidents with a minimum of Rs 2.5 million.

Read: Another dumper crash claims three lives in Karachi's Korangi

"Within 48 hours, the Sindh government should rid us of corrupt police and ensure that heavy traffic in the metropolis runs according to the designated time," he said.

Afaq Ahmed called for a protest if government fails to comply with his demands. “Heavy traffic should not be seen in daytime across the city, otherwise I am asking to my youth that if heavy traffic continues to operate, it will not be allowed to do so again.”

He urged the youth of Karachi to prove that this city and its people were not abandoned. “Regardless of the consequences, I am ready to save the lives of my people,” he added.