The Dumper and Oil Tankers Association has extended its special thanks to Inspector General Sindh Police Ghulam Nabi Memon and the Sindh government over the arrest of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H) founder Afaq Ahmed, who had called for protests against the daytime operation of heavy traffic in Karachi amid rising traffic accidents.
“I extend a special thanks to IG Sindh and his entire team who arrested an individual attempting to disturb peace in Karachi once again by using youth,” said the association’s president, Liaquat Mehsud.
Mehsud accused Afaq Ahmed of inciting youth against dumpers, citing his directive to party workers to take action against heavy vehicles. According to reports, at least 100 motorcyclists lost their lives in accidents involving heavy traffic within the first 40 days of 2025.
Afaq Ahmed had earlier given the provincial government a deadline to restrict heavy traffic operations to designated hours. In response, the dumper association announced a protest, blaming motorcyclists for 98% of accidents and asserting that only 2% were due to the negligence of dumper drivers.
However, after the deadline expired, Karachi witnessed an outbreak of citizen-led action against dumpers and heavy vehicles, leading to police intervention and the arrest of the MQM-H founder. He was taken into custody from his residence in Karachi’s Defence area.
According to an MQM-H spokesperson, following Ahmed’s press conference, at least 10 to 15 police mobiles surrounded his residence, and a station house officer (SHO) entered his bungalow, asking him to come with them.
Quoting Ahmed, the spokesperson stated, “OK, I am ready to go.”
Sources indicate that Afaq Ahmed was arrested in connection with a case registered at the Landhi police station, where protesters allegedly set a truck on fire following his statements.
The Dumper Association attributed the unrest in Karachi to Ahmed’s remarks, alleging that he attempted to provoke Karachi’s youth into disturbing the city’s peace and law and order.
The association further praised the Sindh government, police, and law enforcement agencies for taking swift action against him.
Notably, the total number of fatalities in traffic accidents in Karachi has reached 100 so far this year, underscoring growing concerns over road safety in the city.