Tragic Accident
A tragic accident near Malir Halt claimed the lives of a young couple when a speeding water tanker crashed into their motorcycle. The victims, identified as 24-year-old Zainab and her 26-year-old husband, Abdul Qayyum, were residents of Natha Khan. The devastating incident occurred while Abdul Qayyum was taking his pregnant wife to the hospital for a routine check-up.
The collision was so severe that Zainab, who suffered critical injuries, went into labor and gave birth at the scene. Unfortunately, the newborn also did not survive. Both parents sustained severe injuries and succumbed shortly after the accident.
The heartbreaking event sparked outrage among bystanders, some of whom attempted to set the tanker on fire in protest. However, police and security personnel arrived swiftly to restore order and manage traffic in the area.
Driver and Assistant Arrested
SSP Korangi Tariq Nawaz confirmed that the police had arrested both the tanker driver and his assistant. “A case will be registered against both suspects,” he assured. The accident has once again raised concerns about the negligence of heavy vehicle drivers and the increasing number of road accidents in Karachi.
Family’s Heartbreaking Plea for Justice
Zainab’s grieving father, Gul Rahman, made an emotional appeal for justice while speaking to the media. Overcome with sorrow, he demanded the strictest punishment for the driver. “My daughter was pregnant and had only stepped out for treatment. That tanker crushed both my daughter and son-in-law. The driver should be hanged upside down,” he said in anguish.
The tragedy has become yet another statistic in Karachi’s growing traffic death toll. So far this year, 214 people have lost their lives in road accidents, with heavy vehicles being responsible for 68 of these fatalities.
Brother Urges Government Action Against Tanker Mafia
Abdul Qayyum’s brother also voiced his anger and grief, urging the government to take strict action against reckless heavy vehicle operators. He criticized the authorities for failing to regulate the movement of tankers, which continue to pose a significant threat to public safety.
Speaking to the media, he recalled the painful moment he learned about his brother’s death from relatives. The accident occurred when Abdul Qayyum and his wife were returning home from Kohi Goth. “Abdul Qayyum had been married for just a year, and he was eagerly awaiting the birth of his child,” he shared.
His late brother was an employee of the Cantonment Board Malir and a resident of Malir Cantt. He insisted that the government must impose stricter regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future. “The entry of these heavy vehicles into the city during peak hours must be completely banned,” he demanded.
Political Leader Visits Grieving Family
Upon learning about the accident, Mohajir Qaumi Movement Chairman Afaq Ahmed visited the grieving family in Malir Halt to offer condolences. He met Abdul Qayyum’s brother, expressing his sorrow over the devastating loss. Later, he proceeded to the police station to ensure that an FIR was lodged against the responsible individuals.
The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter traffic laws and enforcement to curb reckless driving, particularly by heavy vehicle operators, and to ensure that innocent lives are not lost due to negligence.
