KARACHI, Oct 13: Traders and exporters are worried over rising incidents of hijacking or looting of their goods trucks by unknown persons on way to Dandia Bazaar from their godowns at Haroonabad, Hawkesbay and Site areas.

Such incidents had been happening for the last over two weeks, they said.

Karachi Wholesalers Grocers Association (KWGA) held an emergency meeting on Friday with its members, retailers and exporters to finalise their future strategy as many traders are forcing the association to go on a strike or shut down while others believe in taking up the matter with higher authorities.A wholesaler said that unknown people on their two wheelers intercept vehicles on roads and take away loaded vehicle. After one to three days, the empty vehicle is found somewhere in the city.

He said at least 15-20 trucks, Suzuki vans, Mazda trucks, container goods carriers during the last 15 to 20 days have been looted on way to Dandia Bazar from warehouses located in different areas.

These vehicles carry all sorts of essential items, like sugar, pulses, rice, wheat, wheat flour. Each vehicle carries at least Rs1 million worth of goods. One can estimate the total loss suffered by traders during the last 20 days.

He said not only edible items, but vehicles carrying medicines, spices, chemicals were taken away.

The wholesaler said that the association would meet higher authorities of police on Monday, and plan to meet Governor and Sindh Chief Minister.

He said that the association is extremely under pressure and in case the issue is not resolved, the wholesale market would be closed down in protest. Dandia Bazaar is the hub of the wholesale goods where billions of rupees trade takes place daily.