Solar Panel Heist Shocks Traders as Container Disappears En Route from Karachi to Okara

KARACHI / SHIKARPUR:A large-scale theft involving a container carrying **750 solar panels worth over PKR 12 million** has raised alarms across Pakistan’s electronics trade community, prompting an urgent call for action from authorities and intensifying concerns over the **security of goods in transit**.

The incident unfolded last week when a **container dispatched from Karachi to Okara** mysteriously disappeared while traveling on the **National Highway**—a key trade route between Sindh and Punjab. According to **SP Shikarpur Shahzaib Chaachar**, a **trailer and empty container** were recovered near Shikarpur, with the last recorded GPS location traced to **Gambat**. The **driver remains missing**, and law enforcement is actively pursuing leads.

President of the **Karachi Electronics Dealers Association**, **Mohammad Rizwan Irfan**, said the container was loaded with **solar panels and dispatched on Friday**. By Saturday night, **both drivers’ mobile phones were turned off**, and all communication ceased. Initially, no FIR was registered despite notifying the police, adding to traders’ frustration.

Eventually, a case was filed at **Keamari Police Station** after four of five containers sent to Punjab safely reached Gujranwala. The missing container, however, is estimated to have caused a **loss of PKR 12 million**. Each of the containers reportedly carried **720 solar panels**.

The incident has sparked **outrage among electronics traders**, who are demanding the **immediate arrest of the driver**, the **recovery of the stolen goods**, and **stricter measures** to safeguard the transport of high-value items.

Police say investigations are ongoing, with **raids being conducted across multiple districts**. However, the **business community has warned** that if swift action is not taken, they may resort to **nationwide protests**.

The case not only highlights growing **security lapses on national highways**, especially during recent protests and road blockages, but also threatens to **erode confidence** in Pakistan’s logistics chain at a time when the economy is already under pressure.