Two separate developments in Karachi over February 15–16, 2026 have raised concerns about security and the cost of doing business. Police say operations in Lyari and Liaquatabad resulted in three suspects being detained while injured and moved to hospital. Separately, the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance announced a 3 percent increase in freight charges nationwide in response to rising fuel prices and unfulfilled government commitments.
The incidents were reported by police, rescue services and the transport alliance on February 15 and February 16, 2026.
Key details
Police encounters and arrests (Feb 16, 2026)
Two separate police operations in Karachi left three suspects injured and in custody, according to police and rescue sources.
The first operation was carried out on Mirza Adam Khan Road in Lyari by the Shaheen Force of Kalakot police station. A 30-year-old man identified as Yasir was detained; authorities say weapons were recovered from him. Chhipa officials transported the injured detainee to the Civil Hospital.
The second operation took place near Furniture Market No. 4, Liaquatabad, in the Super Market police station’s jurisdiction. Two suspects, named by police as Shamsuddin alias Shah Rukh and Bilal, were arrested injured and taken to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, according to Chhipa sources.
Police and rescue sources provided the location and hospital information; the official status of the suspects and any charges pending against them were not detailed in initial reports.
Transport sector response and fare increase (Feb 15, 2026)
Malik Shehzad Awan, president of the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance, announced a 3 percent rise in freight charges across the country following an increase in petroleum product prices.
Awan attributed the hike to the direct effect of higher fuel costs on transport operations and said transporters are “under severe pressure” because of federal and Punjab government policies.
He said agreements reached with the federal minister for ports and shipping and the federal minister for communications during an earlier nationwide strike have not been implemented. He also said promises made by Senior Punjab Minister Maryam Aurangzeb and the Transport Minister at the direction of the Chief Minister of Punjab remain unfulfilled.
Awan warned that if those commitments are not enacted promptly, the alliance may call another nationwide peaceful strike and held the federal and provincial governments responsible for the consequences.
Background
Karachi has recently seen heightened law-and-order operations alongside economic pressures caused by rising petroleum prices. The transport sector is sensitive to fuel cost fluctuations; even modest increases can squeeze margins and push operators to pass costs on to customers.
The announced 3 percent freight increase follows a pattern of industry pushback when government policy raises input costs and promised mitigation measures are delayed or not implemented.
What to watch next
Official police statements or charge sheets that clarify the status and alleged offences of Yasir, Shamsuddin alias Shah Rukh and Bilal, and updates on their medical condition at Civil Hospital and Abbasi Shaheed Hospital.
Whether federal, Punjab and Sindh authorities respond to the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance’s demands or open negotiations to prevent further strikes.
Broader economic effects of the 3 percent freight rise on consumer prices and supply chains, and whether additional transport unions join any protest or strike calls.
