Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H) Chairman Afaq Ahmed was taken into custody on Tuesday evening, hours after he addressed a press conference condemning the increasing number of fatal road accidents in Karachi.
Earlier in the day, Ahmed voiced concern over the alarming rise in casualties caused by dumper trucks, stating that 92 lives had been lost in just 40 days. He welcomed the Sindh government’s recent decision to restrict the entry of heavy vehicles into the city during daylight hours.
In response to the growing number of fatal incidents, the provincial authorities last week imposed a ban on heavy vehicles from entering Karachi between 6 AM and 11pm. Under the new directive, dumpers are permitted access to the city only during late-night hours.
During his address, Ahmed acknowledged that public frustration over road accidents had led to violent protests, including the burning of vehicles in Landhi Town and other areas. He urged demonstrators to express their grievances peacefully and refrain from destructive acts.
He also cautioned the public against elements that might exploit the current unrest for ulterior motives, advising citizens to remain vigilant.
In a significant move, Ahmed had earlier instructed Muhajir youth to block the entry of heavy vehicles into Karachi starting Tuesday.
“As the elder brother, I am directing the Muhajir youth to ensure that no heavy traffic enters the city from today,” he declared.
The statistics paint a grim picture of road safety in Karachi. In the past two months alone, at least 100 people have died in traffic accidents, with 72 fatalities occurring in urban areas and 24 in suburban regions. Among these, four separate dumper-related accidents have claimed the lives of eight individuals.
Ahmed’s arrest has sparked concerns over freedom of expression and the right to protest, as political and civil society groups closely monitor the unfolding situation.
