Deadly Accidents Involving Heavy Vehicles Claim Over 100 Lives in Karachi; Political Leaders React

Karachi has witnessed a surge in deadly accidents involving heavy vehicles, with over 100 citizens losing their lives in the past month. In response to these tragic events, citizens have resorted to burning water tankers in protest. However, the issue remains unresolved, with political leaders offering varying perspectives.

**Political Leaders Weigh In:**

– **Mustafa Kamal of MQM** expressed concern over the increasing number of accidents caused by tankers, emphasizing that this issue should not be politicized. He stated that the problem stems from drivers’ negligence, regardless of their ethnicity. He stressed that it is an administrative issue that the Sindh government has failed to address.

– **Sindh Senior Minister, Sharjeel Inam Memon**, confirmed that the driver responsible for the latest accident, along with 15 individuals involved in the arson, had been arrested. He urged political figures to refrain from making political statements and emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in Karachi.

– **Farooq Sattar of MQM** questioned the lack of action to address the core issue of heavy traffic entering the city at wrong times and the accountability of drivers. He called for the arrest of negligent drivers and providing justice to the families of the victims.

– **Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi, Munim Zafar**, criticized the government’s failure to prevent accidents despite a court ruling restricting the movement of dumpers after 11 PM. He urged immediate action against those responsible and emphasized the suffering of Karachi residents.

– **PTI Karachi Spokesperson, Fauzia Siddiqui**, blamed the Sindh government for its incompetence in handling the rise in accidents, suggesting the incidents might be part of a deliberate conspiracy to create ethnic tensions in the city.

– **ANP Leader Shahid Syed** clarified that traffic accidents should not be associated with a specific ethnic group, as only 7% of accidents are caused by dumpers. He emphasized that accidents are a broader issue and should be handled fairly.

– **Transport Leader Liaquat Mehsud** urged that action should be taken against those violating the law, stressing that transporters are tax-paying citizens, not part of any mafia.

– **Former MNA Qadir Khan Mando Khel** pointed out the inconsistencies in the protests, noting that water tankers were set on fire even though the accident involved a dumper. He also highlighted the powerful “water hydrant mafia” that has proven difficult to address.

The situation in Karachi continues to raise questions about the administration’s handling of public safety and the responsibilities of both the government and citizens in preventing further tragedies.