Karachi Dumper Protest Ends After Govt Pledges Compensation

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The All Pakistan Dumpers Association has called off its sit-ins at two major locations in Karachi—Super Highway and Rashid Minhas Road—after reaching an agreement with Sindh Information and Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon. The protests followed the torching of seven dumper trucks in the aftermath of a fatal accident and concluded with the government’s commitment to compensate the vehicle owners for their losses.

The protests began on August 9, 2025, when a speeding dumper on Rashid Minhas Road struck a motorcycle, killing two siblings, Ahmed Raza, 14, and Mahnoor, 22, and injuring their father. Angered by the tragedy, local residents set fire to seven dumpers belonging to various owners. In response, the All Pakistan Dumpers Association organized sit-ins that blocked key transportation arteries in Karachi, severely disrupting traffic flow. The Super Highway protest halted movement between Sohrab Goth and the National Highway, while the Rashid Minhas Road sit-in added to congestion in an already busy part of the city.

Negotiations took place at the Commissioner House in Karachi, where Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon met with a delegation representing the dumpers, led by Haji Yousuf and Jam Alam. The government assured the delegation that compensation for the damaged trucks would be provided by August 11, 2025. Minister Memon condemned the act of arson, stating that those responsible would face legal action under anti-terrorism laws. To improve road safety and accountability, he also directed dumper owners to install cameras and GPS trackers on their vehicles and to ensure that all drivers hold valid licenses.

The association’s president, Liaquat Mehsud, confirmed that the government had agreed to cover repair costs for the burned trucks. Deputy Commissioner Central, Taha Saleem, established a 15-day deadline for installing GPS trackers on all dumpers, warning that any vehicle without such tracking would not be allowed to operate on city roads after the deadline.

Following the resolution of the protests, normal traffic flow was restored on the affected routes, reducing commuter inconvenience and reopening alternate pathways. The government’s actions demonstrate a balance between addressing public safety concerns and responding to the grievances of transport operators.

Minister Memon reiterated the importance of preventing future tragedies on the roads and urged cooperation from all stakeholders, including transporters and local communities, to maintain safety and order. The incident and subsequent resolution highlight ongoing challenges related to urban traffic management and road safety in Karachi.