Traders protest against surge in robberies

Block superhighway, demand effective measures to curb crimes

KARACHI:

Traders from New Sabzi Mandi and local residents staged a protest on the Superhighway to voice their concerns over the escalating incidents of robbery and street crimes.

The protest, held near Jamali Bridge, resulted in the suspension of traffic on the Superhighway, causing significant congestion and inconvenience to commuters.

The protestors lamented the failure of law enforcement authorities to curb robberies. The recent incident involving the robbery of fruit and vegetable vendors' trucks, resulting in substantial losses, underscored the gravity of the situation.

Robberies along Jamali Bridge and its vicinity have become distressingly common occurrences, they said.

They expressed grievances regarding alleged harassment by police during snap checking on the route from New Sabzi Mandi to the city. The protestors emphasised that the protest would persist until the perpetrators responsible for the robberies are apprehended, as well as stolen and snatched properties and valuables are recovered.

The three-hour protest led to severe traffic congestion in the areas surrounding the Superhighway and Scheme 33, exacerbating difficulties for citizens.

Police officials intervened, assuring protestors of the strict action after which the affected people ended their protest.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sohrab Goth, Chaudhry Sohail Faiz, affirmed that efforts are underway to apprehend the criminals involved in the incidents promptly.

He further assured the deployment of additional law enforcement personnel to address the prevailing security concerns.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 5^th, 2024.