Larkana’s Sabzi Mandi shutters down over daytime ban on heavy vehicles

Larkana’s Sabzi Mandi, a bustling market for fruits and vegetables, came to a standstill on Monday as traders protested against a daytime ban on heavy vehicles imposed by the district administration. The strike was called by the leaders of the Fruit and Vegetable Commission Agents Union, who urged traders to shut down their businesses in solidarity. The protest began after a sit-in near Naudero Bypass the previous day.

The union’s President, Masiullah Jatoi, Vice President Sajid Hussain Magsi, General Secretary Abdul Rasheed Shah, Treasurer Iqbal Shaikh, and other traders addressed the media during the strike. They vehemently criticized the restriction, arguing that it jeopardized the daily supply of essential goods to consumers across the city and district. Without heavy vehicles, the traders contended, the transportation of large quantities of produce would become impossible, leading to significant losses for their businesses.

The leaders acknowledged that the Larkana Deputy Commissioner, Tariq Manzoor Chandio, had ordered a restriction on the entry and movement of large vehicles in the market area until 10 p.m. Despite this, they insisted that the restriction was causing severe damage to their livelihoods. They lamented that fruits and vegetables worth tens of millions of rupees were being lost daily due to the ban, which they feared would continue if the restriction was not lifted.

The protesters demanded an immediate withdrawal of the restriction order to prevent a crisis in fruit and vegetable supply. They threatened a business crisis should the administration not reverse its decision, emphasizing the critical role of heavy vehicles in maintaining the market’s operations.