By Ahsan Mughal
KARACHI: Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H) has issued a stern warning over the ongoing chaos caused by unregulated water tankers and heavy vehicles in Karachi, citing a rising death toll and public safety concerns.
Speaking at a meeting of the party’s city-wide organizational committees, MQM-H Chairman Afaq Ahmed said that so far this year, 806 people have been killed in accidents involving dumpers, trailers, and water tankers. He criticized the government for showing little concern over the loss of life or taking meaningful steps to address the issue.
Ahmed said the party has repeatedly demanded that heavy vehicles be barred from entering the city unless their legal ownership and licensing are verified, and that all commercial vehicles hold valid fitness certificates. However, he claimed that most of the city’s heavy vehicles are owned by politically connected individuals, bypassing regulations, and allowing reckless operations to continue.
He further criticized the unauthorized sale of water in Karachi, highlighting that residents are forced to purchase water diverted from public supplies. The MQM-P called for immediate action to close illegal hydrants and ensure that only registered and certified water tankers are allowed to receive water from Water Board hydrants.
Ahmed warned that if the practice continues, the party would announce a course of action that could include protests and public blockades of illegal hydrants. The MQM-H chairman also criticized the handling of the recent Sindhi Ajrak Day incidents, where vandalism, property damage, and anti-state slogans went unaddressed, calling on the authorities to take notice rather than relying solely on decisions by “powerful forces.”
