Karachi:
The carriers of goods called on the Pakistani army to provide protection after 11 truck drivers were removed by bandits in the Katcha region near Kashmore earlier this month.
The acting president of Karachi Goods Carriers Association, the Secretary General, and Secretary General Nadeem Akhtar Arain said that carriers across the country were deeply concerned about the incident.
“We do not want to harm the country’s economy, but if security is not provided to carriers of goods, we will be forced to take extreme measures,” said association officials.
According to the association, the armed bandits opened the blind fire near the highway, damaging several vehicles before removing 11 drivers. “The drivers and their staff were left at the mercy of the Dacoits,” they added.
Shaheen said the attackers also deflated and damaged the tires for several trucks during the assault. “A pair of truck tires costs approximately RS180,000, and each truck carries 11 pairs. Several vehicles have suffered damage caused by tires,” he noted.
The association revealed that the kidnappers have published a video threatening to kill the drivers if their request for the release of detained accomplices is not satisfied. “If the government does not manage to obtain its recovery, we reconsider our role in the fact that the economy on the move,” warned the press release.
Shaheen added that the associations of Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Muzaffargarh, Multan and Sahiwal have unanimously agreed to consider transport operations if drivers are not recovered and that security measures are not applied.
By calling on the Pakistani army to take strict measures against the bandits of the Katcha region and to restore security on motorways, the association said: “The situation of public order has deteriorated to the point where anyone can disrupt transport operations with impunity.”
