KARACHI: A major traffic disruption hit the Northern Bypass on Saturday after transporters launched a prolonged sit-in against Pakistan Customs, leaving thousands of vehicles stuck for hours on one of the city’s busiest routes.
The protest, spearheaded by the Transporters Association, has stretched beyond 10 hours, with the Northern Bypass completely sealed to all traffic. Witnesses reported massive queues extending for several kilometres as commuters remained stranded with no alternative routes available.
The standoff began after a confrontation between transporters and customs officials late Friday night. Protesters alleged that customs personnel shattered the windows of nearly two dozen vehicles, hurled abuses, and resorted to aerial firing and baton-charging over what they described as a “minor dispute.” According to the transporters, three to four individuals were injured and shifted to nearby hospitals.
Vowing not to end their demonstration until an FIR is lodged against the officials accused of violence, the protesters criticized the government for failing to send any representative for talks.
The blockade has caused significant inconvenience to daily commuters and goods transporters alike, effectively choking a key logistics corridor of Karachi.
This is not the first confrontation of its kind. On September 16, 2025, transporters also blocked the Quetta–Karachi highway near the Customs check post at Hub Chowki. That protest was triggered by allegations of bribery and harassment by customs staff, who transporters claimed were targeting legitimate cargo carriers instead of tackling smugglers. That incident too descended into chaos following clashes, baton charges, and aerial firing by customs personnel.
