Karachi Traffic Tragedy: JI Protests Highlight Rising Fatalities

Jamaat-e-Islami organized city-wide protests in Karachi due to a spike in traffic-related deaths, challenging the Sindh government's inaction. Over 110 deaths in early 2025 have raised alarms, largely attributed to heavy vehicles and administrative incompetence. The protests demand urgent rerouting of heavy traffic and government accountability.

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) organized demonstrations across Karachi, prompted by a disturbing rise in traffic-related deaths, as reported by ARY News. Protesters gathered at 15 key locations, including Liaquatabad and Hub River Road, pushing for immediate governmental intervention to curb the fatalities attributed to heavy traffic.

JI Karachi Chief Monem Zafar, during a protest at Liaquatabad, criticized the Sindh government's handling of the situation, dismissing Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah's claim that these fatalities are mere administrative issues. Zafar attributed the deaths to governmental incompetence, citing 110 deaths and 1,500 injuries in early 2025 alone, with heavy vehicles being major culprits.

The protests also highlighted broader safety concerns, referencing rampant street crimes and open manholes, which claimed 70,000 lives last year. Zafar urged for the diversion of heavy traffic to alternate routes, such as the northern bypass, as ARY News reported. A rise in traffic accidents was recorded, with heavy vehicles frequently involved in fatal incidents.