Goods Carriers Association Urges Army Protection After Abduction of 11 Drivers Near Kashmore

Karachi: The Karachi Goods Carriers Association has demanded protection for Pakistan’s transport community from the Pakistan Army after the abduction of 11 truck drivers near Kashmore sparked deep concern across the sector.

Speaking at a press conference at Mauripur Truck Stand, Acting President Safeer Shaheen and General Secretary Nadeem Akhtar Arain said that while they do not wish to harm the national economy, they will be forced to take drastic steps if goods transporters are not protected.

They said that on September 4, armed bandits near Kashmore opened fire, punctured truck tires, and abducted 11 drivers and staff members. The kidnappers later released a video threatening to kill the hostages if their detained accomplices were not released.

Shaheen and Arain highlighted the financial burden on drivers, noting that a single pair of truck tires costs Rs. 180,000 and each truck carries 11 pairs, with several trucks suffering total tire losses in the attack.

The leaders recalled that during recent protests in Sukkur over canal issues, transporters bore the heaviest losses, with vehicles stranded for nearly two weeks, resulting in millions of rupees in demurrage charges and three drivers losing their lives. Despite assurances from authorities, such incidents continue.

They warned that if the abducted drivers are harmed or the government fails to secure their recovery, transporters nationwide—including from Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Multan, Sahiwal, and other cities—will be compelled to shut down operations, effectively halting the economy.

The association called on the federal and provincial governments, and particularly the Pakistan Army, to take decisive action against dacoits in riverine (katcha) areas and along national highways.

They also criticized customs, excise, and motorway police for harassment, corruption, and extortion, alleging that smugglers move freely while legitimate transporters are subjected to bribes and fines.

“Our transport community is already under immense pressure. If security is not ensured, we will have no choice but to stop work—even though we know it will harm the economy,” the leaders warned.