KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) on Sunday demanded an independent commission to probe into recent rise in fatal accidents involving heavy traffic in Karachi and warned the Sindh government to take the concerns of Karachhiites seriously, otherwise the situation could turn volatile.

The party also condemned the arrest of Afaq Ahmed, chief of the Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi, calling it a reflection of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government’s biased mindset.

Addressing a press conference at the party’s temporary headquarters in Bahadurabad, alongside members of the Sindh Assembly, senior MQM-P leader Dr Farooq Sattar said that for the past 16 years, the PPP has been in power in Sindh and its indifference to traffic accidents, especially those involving dumpers, is evident.

“Over 100 people have been killed in the last two months alone due to the reckless driving of dumpers in Karachi, marking the rise of a new dumper mafia in the city,” he said.

Sattar calls for immediate release of MQM-H chief Afaq Ahmed

“We are concerned over incidents like that of Bushra Zaidi and warn the Sindh government that the public’s patience is wearing thin. If people continue to face injustice and no relief is provided, the situation could worsen,” he added.

Dr Sattar also pointed to growing unrest following the arrest of Afaq Ahmad, adding that if authorities do not take action to ease the people’s suffering, Karachi could face a volatile situation.

“Despite any political differences, MQM-P strongly condemns the arrest of Afaq Ahmad and calls for his immediate, unconditional release,” he stated.

Furthermore, he raised alarm over the growing influence of mafias in Karachi, with the latest being the “dumper mafia.”

Dr Sattar warned that if the federal and provincial governments remain silent, they risk provoking large-scale protests in the city. He also cautioned that Karachi, under such circumstances, “could soon resemble the turmoil of Beirut or the Karachi of 1985,” referring to a time when the city faced extreme divisions and unrest.

He also raised the issue of accountability, demanding that a commission be formed to investigate the deaths caused by dumpers and to hold the responsible parties accountable.

While criticising the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), he pointed out that the leader of the dumper truck mafia had been a candidate and an active member of PTI in 2018. However, he urged political parties to take action against such elements within their ranks.

Published in Dawn, February 17th, 2025