Several trucks loaded of various essential kitchen items worth Rs 5.7 million coming from Punjab to Karachi have been looted at Superhighway in the limits of Gadap police station during last six months, traders said on Saturday.
Several complaints have been lodged with the respective police but no appropriate action has been taken against the looters, they said adding such incidents continues to happen with impunity on the road. Expressing fears, they said this continued trend has completely gripped the local traders, who may stop placing new orders for grains and other items from Punjab, which could led to shortage of the commodities and consequent hike in prices.
The major plundered commodities are rice and sugar, they said adding four sugar and three rice loaded trucks were looted. Roughly one truck of sugar cost is Rs 4.5 million and rice Rs 13 million, they said. Anis Majeed, Chairman Karachi wholesale grocers association (KWGA) told Business Recorder that cases of snatching grain loaded trucks are on the rise. "Today I have dispatched a letter to newly elected Chief Minister Sindh, Qaim Ali Shah to hold meeting for permanent solution of prevailing crimes on highways," he said.
There is a fear amongst traders of Karachi who are reluctant to place fresh orders of essential products in Punjab markets, he said and added that unless the government ensures the security at highways, grain transportation to Karachi is likely to reduce phenomenally.
Suspension of commodities from upcountry only because of law and order situation on major highways of the country will also hit commodities' import and export as a result fresh crisis will rise in the local market, he maintained. Appealing to the government, Anis said that it should take action against the trucks hijackers and retrieve the stolen products of over five million so that traders could continue their business uninterrupted.