Karachi, a city of over 20 million souls, is grappling with numerous civic issues such as gas and electricity loadshedding, water shortage, deteriorating infrastructure, littering, traffic jams due to protests and sit-ins, etc. And now a new menace has emerged on the roads of the metropolis — the Dumper Mafia — operating with complete disregard for laws, rules and consequences.
In the past two months alone, more than 100 citizens, mostly motorcyclists, have lost their lives after being hit by recklessly-driven heavy vehicles — dumper trucks, trailers, container lorries, etc — leaving their families devastated. The killings show no signs of abating, with drivers and their backers going scot-free. Although the government has set specific operating hours for these vehicles, enforcement remains nonexistent, leaving citizens vulnerable and justice out of reach.
From the masses to the classes, everyone is concerned and raising their voices against this “untouchable mafia”, but to no avail. MQM Chairman Afaq Ahmed was arrested after he issued a statement against “Dumper Syndicate”. President of Karachi Mobile and Electronic Dealers Association Minhaj Gulfam has also called for a campaign to be launched against this traffic menace, following the death of a mobile phone dealer in a recent accident.
When will the authorities take action against this influential Dumper Mafia? And when will the citizens of Karachi be free from these sharks out on the roads to devour lives? These questions continue to torment Karachiites.
Rumisa Malik
Karachi
