Karachi is on edge as citizens, frustrated with heavy traffic, took matters into their own hands and set multiple freight trucks and water tankers on fire.

In response, the Water Tanker Association has suspended the city’s water supply, while transporters have staged sit-ins on major highways.

The All Pakistan Transport Association (APTA) has announced protests on National Highway, Hub Toll Plaza, and Super Highway. Transporters claim their vehicles are being targeted as part of a conspiracy, leading them to block Karachi’s main entry points.

Major roads blocked, port operations disrupted

As a result of the protests, Port Qasim, Hub Check Post, and New Sabzi Mandi roads have been blocked. Traffic at Port Qasim Chowrangi has also come to a standstill, causing severe inconvenience for travellers entering Karachi.

At a press conference, APTA press secretary Malik Ilyas and president Tariq Gujar condemned the attacks, alleging that lawless elements are responsible for setting vehicles on fire.

They criticized the Sindh government and governor for making inflammatory statements that could further escalate tensions.

Call for government action

Transporters demand the government bring all stakeholders together and create a structured SOP (standard operating procedure) to resolve the crisis. They insist that freight containers must follow designated routes and timings, as previously agreed.

They also urged authorities to compensate the owners of burned vehicles immediately. If demands are not met, transporters threaten a complete citywide shutdown.

Arson attacks

In separate incidents, unidentified assailants set fire to three freight trucks in Landhi and Korangi. Police report that a truck was torched in Korangi No. 6, while two others were burned in Landhi. No casualties were reported, but the cargo was destroyed.

Another attempted arson at Al-Karam Square was thwarted by locals and police.

Meanwhile, in Surjani Town’s Abdullah Mor, three masked motorcycle riders set a water tanker ablaze. The driver narrowly escaped by jumping out of the vehicle.

More roadblocks

The Dumper and Oil Tanker Association has announced further protests, vowing to block Karachi’s entry and exit points by parking their vehicles on the roads.

Association leader Liaquat Mehsud warned that 15 transport associations will join the demonstrations.

He emphasized that dumpers have court permission to operate during the day for essential construction work. Restricting their movement, he argues, will create more issues.

DIG East Usman Ghani has ordered legal action against those responsible for setting vehicles on fire, warning that no one will be allowed to disturb the city’s peace. A police investigation is underway to track down the perpetrators.

Fatal traffic accidents

Meanwhile, road accidents have claimed more lives. In Hawksbay’s Musharraf Colony, a speeding dumper struck and killed a motorcyclist, Muhammad Siddiq, who was on his way to work.

In Ladia Town, a passenger coach hit a motorcycle, killing a pregnant woman and injuring her 8-year-old daughter. Her husband miraculously survived.

So far this year, 104 people have lost their lives in traffic accidents in Karachi.

Water crisis worsens as tanker services halt

Following the arson attacks, Karachi is facing an intensifying water crisis as tanker operations remain suspended. Water supply disruptions have left residents struggling.

According to Shehbaz Bashir, focal person for the Hydrant Cell, 1,500 tankers that supply water daily from six major hydrants are now out of service.

Fear-stricken tanker operators have refused to work, worsening the city’s water shortage.