Frustrated by the increasing number of accidents involving heavy vehicles, Karachi residents have launched their own crackdown against dumpers and tankers.

Protesters at Nagan Chowrangi stopped trucks, seized keys, and demanded legal documents from drivers, expressing anger over unregulated heavy traffic.

Residents claim they are being stopped by police despite having complete legal documents, while tankers continue operating unchecked.

Protesters alleged that tankers operate on the roads through bribery, increasing traffic congestion and the risk of accidents.

They said instead of taking action against truck drivers, police detained the demonstrators.

The protesters claimed that police had assured them of legal action against heavy traffic, but after reopening the road, they were arrested.

In a video received by Aaj News, a citizen detailed the incident, accusing the police of breaking their promise and arresting the protesters instead of acting against the truck drivers. It is worth noting that dumper accidents in Karachi frequently claim lives. Several fatal incidents have occurred in recent days, prompting strong reactions from political and social circles. Citizens are demanding the immediate removal of these dangerous dumpers from the city to prevent further loss of life.

IG Sindh addresses police performance and heavy traffic issues Sindh Inspector General (IG) Ghulam Nabi Memon, speaking to journalists at the Sindh High Court, said that efforts are being made to improve police investigations.

He mentioned that he had scheduled a meeting with Justice Amjad Ali Sahito to discuss enhancements in the investigative system.

Clarifying concerns regarding heavy traffic, IG Sindh explained that essential goods transport is permitted during the day. As per the law, vehicles carrying 42 specific items — including oil, water, and construction materials — are allowed entry into the city during daytime hours.

He added that in a meeting with the chief secretary, it was decided to restrict the entry of large tankers to prevent further accidents. District traffic officers have been directed to regulate heavy traffic during the day and control water and oil tankers to minimise public inconvenience.

Regarding vehicle fitness, IG Sindh emphasised that it is the responsibility of the motor vehicle inspector to ensure roadworthiness. Teams have been formed in collaboration with the traffic police to inspect vehicle fitness on the roads.

Additionally, a proposal has been made to increase fines for speeding and vehicle fitness violations, with registered water tankers to be inspected directly at hydrants.

Discussing driving licences, IG Sindh mentioned that steps are being taken to simplify the licensing process. Strict action is being taken against unlicensed drivers, with hundreds of vehicles already seized.

Persistent offenders who fail to obtain a licence will face arrest.

High court orders and exempted vehicles

As per a high court ruling, heavy vehicles are banned from entering the city during the day. However, certain government and construction-related vehicles are exempt, including 1,800 registered dumpers of the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board, 40 dumpers engaged in FWO stadium construction, 60 dumpers from the Malir Expressway Construction Company, and 6,000 water tankers.

While police cannot stop these vehicles, their maintenance and condition fall under the jurisdiction of the Traffic Police and the Transport Department’s Motor Vehicle Examiner (MVE) wing.

Inspection challenges and joint operation

Due to capacity and manpower limitations in the transport department, challenges persist in monitoring unfit vehicles. Despite these obstacles, excise and traffic police have decided to take strict action against heavy vehicles.

A joint operation is set to begin in the coming days, focusing on vehicle roadworthiness, driver licenses, and technical inspections.

Vehicles deemed unfit or operated by unqualified drivers will be immediately seized.