Karachi:
Goods carriers have called on the Pakistani army to provide protection after 11 truck drivers were abducted by bandits in the Katcha area near Kashmore earlier this month.
Karachi Goods Carriers Association acting President Safeer Shaheen and Secretary General Nadeem Akhtar Arain said that carriers across the country are deeply concerned about the incident.
“We do not want to harm the country’s economy, but if no security is provided to goods carriers, we will be forced to take extreme measures,” the association’s office carriers said.
According to the association, armed bandits opened arbitrary fire near the highway and damaged several vehicles before abducting 11 drivers. “Drivers and their staff have been left behind after Dacoit’s grace,” they added.
Shaheen said that attackers also emptied and damaged tires of several trucks during the assault. “A couple of cargo boards cost around RS180,000, and each truck carries 11 pairs. More vehicles suffered completely tire damage,” he noted.
The association revealed that the abductors have released a video that threatens to kill the drivers if their claim for releasing detained accomplices is not met. “If the government fails to secure their improvement, we will consider our role in keeping the economy going,” the statement warned.
Shaheen added that associations from Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Muzaffargarh, Multan and Sahiwal have unanimously agreed to consider stopping transport operations if the drivers are not recovered and security measures are not enforced.
Association that called on the Pakistani Army to take strict action against the bandits in the Katcha area and restore motorways security said, “The law and order situation has worsened to the point where anyone can interfere with transport operations with impunity.”
