Violence
KARACHI: Tension gripped several areas of Karachi on Wednesday evening after a high-speed dumper truck collided with two motorcycles near the Nagan Chowrangi Flyover, triggering public outrage and leading to widespread arson. Enraged citizens took to the streets, torching multiple heavy vehicles in protest of the incident.
According to initial reports, the dumper—allegedly driven by a teenager between 17 and 18 years of age—was speeding when it struck two motorbikes.
Fortunately, the motorcyclists sustained only minor injuries. However, the accident sparked immediate anger among bystanders. Eyewitnesses claimed the crowd intercepted the dumper, assaulted the driver, and blocked his path using motorcycles. In a panicked attempt to flee, the driver reportedly ran over the parked bikes, escalating tensions further.
Soon after, the mob set several dumper trucks on fire, particularly at the Powerhouse roundabout, followed by more arson incidents near the 4K Chowrangi and Baba Morr in Surjani Town.
Police confirmed that a total of nine vehicles were set ablaze—five dumpers and four water tankers. Firefighters, with police assistance, managed to douse the flames while law enforcement personnel were deployed in large numbers to restore order.
In response, the Sindh government took swift notice of the violence. Sindh Home Minister Zia Lanjar condemned the reckless driving and acts of arson, directing authorities to arrest those responsible. “No one has the right to take the law into their own hands,” he asserted, warning of strict action against anyone disrupting peace.
As a retaliatory measure, dumper drivers staged their own protest on the Super Highway. Rubbish was dumped on the road near Sohrab Goth and Al-Asif Square, causing major traffic disruptions and blocking the M-9 Motorway. After negotiations with police, the protest was called off and the road was cleared.
Liaquat Mehsud, Chairman of the Dumper Association, claimed that 11 of the association’s vehicles had been destroyed. He criticized the mob’s actions and demanded government protection for drivers and vehicle owners.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori also appealed for calm, acknowledging public frustration over recurring accidents involving heavy vehicles but emphasizing that “justice must come through law, not violence.”
He warned against anyone trying to incite communal tension, urging Karachiites to stand united and peaceful in the face of adversity.
