LARKANA: A complete strike was observed by traders and other stakeholders having their businesses in Larkana’s Sabzi Mandi on Monday over restriction on the entry of heavy vehicles imposed by the district administration.

A day earlier, the traders had held a sit-in near Naudero Bypass which continued into the late evening. Leaders of the Fruit and Vegetable Commission Agents Union, addressing the protesters, had given the call for a total shutterdown to be observed at the Mandi on Monday.

Responding to the call, a large number of traders and commission agents gathered at the Mandi after shutting down their workplaces. They raised slogans against the district administration and its decision to restrict entry of all large-sized vehicles into the Mandi during the day time.

The union’s President, Masiullah Jatoi, Vice President Sajid Hussain Magsi, General Secretary Abdul Rasheed Shah, Treasurer Iqbal Shaikh and other traders spoke to media personnel during the strike.

They strongly criticised the ban saying that truck-loads of fruits and vegetables were being brought to the Mandi daily in the morning to ensure a smooth supply of the essential commodities to hundreds of thousands of consumers across the city and other parts of the district at reasonable prices. They argued that the supplies in such a big quantum could not be ensured if heavy vehicles were not allowed to enter the Mandi. They said the business using small vehicles alone would no more remain feasible.

They acknowledged that the Larkana Deputy Commissioner, Tariq Manzoor Chandio, had restricted entry and movement of large-sized vehicles in the market area until 10pm. The relevant order states that entry of large vehicles in morning hours until 10pm was restricted.

The leaders, however, insisted that the restriction was severely affecting their businesses. “Fruits and vegetables worth tens of millions of rupees are spoiling every day and causing heavy losses to us,” the leaders said on behalf of the affected traders.

They said that despite repeated complaints, no remedial measures were being taken which ultimately compelled them to take to the street and observe a strike.

They demanded that the restriction order should be withdrawn immediately so that the businesses could be run smoothly.

They warned of a crisis of fruit and vegetable supplies to consumers across the district if the restriction order was not reversed.

Published in Dawn, August 18th, 2026