In recent months, the number of tragic accidents and deaths of people has increased alarmingly in Shahr-e-Quaid due to the criminal negligence and rashness of dumper and other heavy vehicle drivers. More than 100 people have lost their precious lives in these accidents during the last two months, which has caused great anxiety among the public.
This situation is a big question mark on the implementation of traffic rules in the city and the administrative capacity and efficiency of the Sindh provincial government. The Sindh government has taken some important steps in view of the increasing incidence of these accidents.
On February 14, 2025, a 60-day ban was imposed on the entry of heavy vehicles into Shahr-e-Quaid during the day, under which these vehicles were allowed to ply from 10 pm to 6 am. However, vehicles carrying water, edible oil, medicines and meat were exempted from this ban. In addition, special routes were set up for heavy traffic to reduce traffic problems.
The government also ordered that all heavy vehicles will have to obtain a fitness certificate to ply on the road. This law will apply to vehicles plying within Karachi as well as heavy vehicles coming from other provinces. Vehicles found without registration or fitness certificates will be confiscated, and showrooms selling such vehicles will also be sealed.
Despite all these measures, the public is not sure that the government is really serious about implementing these laws. The citizens of Karachi do not trust the government, because many such measures were taken in the past that soon became ineffective. Parents and families are always afraid that when their loved ones go out of the house, they will
come back alive or not.
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-Pakistan) is talking openly about this issue. On February 16, 2025, senior MQM leader Dr. Farooq Sattar demanded the formation of an independent commission to investigate the deaths in heavy vehicle accidents.
He warned the government that if the matter was not resolved immediately, public anger and resentment would increase and the situation could worsen. Another senior MQM leader, Mustafa Kamal, also reacted strongly to the situation. He said in clear words that it was unacceptable that citizens were being hit by heavy vehicles on a daily basis and the government was showing indifference.
Mustafa Kamal stressed that it should not be a big problem for the traffic police to control the entry of heavy vehicles into the city. If there is a real intention, these vehicles can be prevented from entering the city during the day by imposing strict checks at the entry points. But the traffic police and the administration seem to be completely failing in their responsibility.
On the other hand, the PPP-led Sindh government is being accused of supporting the transport mafia, which includes water tankers and other heavy vehicles. This is the reason why traffic rules are not being strictly enforced. The public has lost trust in the government and they believe that the Sindh government has completely failed to protect their lives and property.
Behind these accidents lies not only administrative incompetence but also a human tragedy. For every life that is crushed under heavy vehicles on the road, a family is ruined. An atmosphere of fear has now prevailed in the streets of Karachi, and the people are waiting to see when their beloved ones will be able to leave their homes and return safely.
This problem requires an immediate and permanent solution. The recent steps of the government are certainly positive, but until they are strictly implemented and political interference is eliminated, the citizens of Karachi will not be free from these accidents.
There is a need for all relevant institutions, political parties, and civic organizations to come together on one platform to resolve this issue so that the residents of Karachi can have peaceful and safe roads.
Written By: Chaudhry Muhammad Altaf Shahid
