Horse, donkey carts lead Karachi protest

Traders stage symbolic anti-inflation rally, highlighting soaring petrol costs, economic strain

KARACHI:

Rising inflation and increasing petrol prices prompted small traders in the city to stage a unique protest demonstration.

The traders brought along horse carts and donkey carts as part of their protest, which drew attention from both the media and the authorities. During the demonstration held in front of the Karachi Press Club on Monday, two pure white horses ridden by trader leaders drew special attention.

Ironically, these white horses used in the protest against inflation turned out to be more expensive for the traders than a luxury car. The rental cost of one white horse for twelve hours was reported to be 10,000 rupees. When asked by The Express Tribune about the high rental cost, the trainer explained that maintaining a horse requires two caretakers whose daily wages amount to 5,000 rupees, while the horse itself consumes about 1,500 rupees worth of fodder per day.

When trader leader Muhammad Zaki - dressed in a white shalwar kameez and wearing black sunglasses while riding a white horse - was asked why he chose such an expensive horse for a protest against inflation, he initially seemed nervous. Later, he responded by claiming the trainer was lying and that the rental cost was not that high, although he avoided revealing the actual price of the two horses used in the protest.

Addressing the gathering, All Clifton and Defence Traders Association President S Rashid Khan, said that petrol prices have become unbearable and called for a public-friendly relief package. He added that they do not want the country to fall into further difficulties.

Karachi Mobile Dealers Association President said that the Prime Minister and ministers are unwilling to reduce their own privileges, while the burden falls entirely on the public. He warned that it appears the government is pushing the country toward destruction, and added that the traders' protest in Karachi will continue and expand to other major cities.

Donkey cart drivers also participated in the protest, decorating their carts with Pakistani flags and protest banners. When one donkey cart driver was asked why petrol price hikes would affect him, he replied that the increase in fuel prices impacts everything.

Representatives from Anjuman Tajiran Ittehad Sindh, Garden Traders Alliance, Liaquatabad Traders Association, and various other markets took part in the protest. They stated that the time is not far when donkey carts and horse carts will once again be seen on Karachi's roads, and announced that their next protest will be carried out in a new and different style.