Karachi’s Largest Wholesale Medicine Market Sealed, Supply Disrupted Before Being Reopened

Karachi: The sudden sealing of the country’s largest wholesale medicine market in Karachi caused widespread disruption in the supply of medicines nationwide, raising fears of severe shortages of life-saving drugs at retail pharmacies. The market was later reopened following negotiations between authorities and traders.

According to details, soon after the market resumed operations following the Eid al-Fitr holidays, Assistant Commissioner Hazim Bhangwar ordered an unexpected crackdown, leading to the immediate sealing of the market. The abrupt closure created serious difficulties for traders and customers who had arrived from different parts of the city and country, while hospitals and pharmacies faced supply interruptions.

Market representatives, including the vice president of the medicine market, strongly protested the action, stating that no prior notice had been issued. They argued that stock levels were already low due to the holidays and that the reopening day was crucial for restoring supply, warning that the closure put patients’ lives at risk.

In response to the escalating situation and public outcry, the District Commissioner South intervened and ordered the de-sealing of the market. Authorities obtained written undertakings from traders to comply with regulations and maintain official pricing, after which business activities resumed.

Officials maintained that the action was taken to ensure compliance with legal requirements and maintain order, while the trader community described the move as unjustified.