Karachi’s recent surge in deadly road accidents, particularly involving reckless dumper trucks, has sparked outrage among political and civil society leaders, who accuse the authorities of negligence and collusion with powerful elements backing the so-called ‘dumper mafia.’

Speaking on “News Insight with Aamir Zia”, MQM-P leader Khawaja Izharul Hassan held the city administration responsible for the rising fatalities.

“The excise department, police and even the province’s chief executive are accountable. While the police extort the poor at checkpoints, these trucks roam free without scrutiny,” he said.

Hassan claimed that the forces behind this dangerous industry are deeply entrenched in power.

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“They sit in the corridors of power or have ties with the elite of this country,” he said, criticising the provincial government’s apathy toward Karachi.

“Despite multiple meetings, has this mafia been intimidated? No, instead, the citizens live in greater fear,” he added.

Hassan also slammed the Sindh government, alleging it harbors resentment against Karachi.

“After the 18th Amendment, we are at their mercy. Karachi is treated separately from Sindh because they have no political stronghold here. If you ask any PPP official, they will blame us instead.”

Dumper mafia’s threats exposed

JDC General Secretary Zafar Abbas, an outspoken advocate against the dumper menace, revealed shocking details about the mafia’s threats and influence.

“If anyone dares to act against them, they threaten to shut down the entire city,” he said.

Citing alarming figures, Abbas stated, “From January 1 to January 24, can you name a single city where even eight people, let alone 208, were crushed under dumper wheels? Has even one person been punished for this?”

He also revealed threats from the mafia: “If anyone damages their tyres while retrieving a dead body, they vow revenge.”

Abbas urged the Supreme Court to investigate the body count linked to dumpers and trailers.

“If they do, they will be shocked to see how these vehicles are being used for mass killings.”

Abbas slammed the indifference of government officials.

“Ministers laugh off the crisis because it’s Karachi — where job quotas deny locals opportunities, robbers snatch mobile phones in broad daylight, and citizens live in constant fear,” he said.

Taking a dig at the ruling elite, he added, “Have their children ever been crushed under tankers? They live on one side of the bridge, but let them see what life is like on the other side.”

He also pointed out that even 12 hours after the deadly Malir Halt accident, no minister had visited the victims’ families.

“Why would they? They were busy with Iftar and Suhoor parties,” he remarked.