Cruising through the traffic in Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, the Toyota Hilux has become a symbol of power, affluence and intimidation. In a society marked by gaping class divisions, the truck is increasingly seen as a necessity by politicians and urban elites. Known locally as the 'Dala', the imposing vehicle has also become notorious in activist circles for its use in the "abduction" of dissenters.
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00:30If there is a VIP in this car, this is the kind of image that is made.
00:39There are things, there is also a little bit of luxury, let's call it that.
00:43And then plus security and a lot of people can sit in the back.
00:50Plus, this car is proving to be very comfortable in Jalsa, Jalus and Relios.
00:53Because we can stand outside, we can wave to people, we can respond to them when there is a rain in charge.
01:24Politics has become impossible without this.
01:29And the voters of our area, for example, let's say I don't take this.
01:35But the person who is fighting against me, he will have it.
01:40And the people of that area who support me will also like this.
01:44That you come to us in the same way as the opposition candidate comes to the other party in our area.
01:50So this has become a basic need.
02:21And when it came to the use of agencies, it became the trademark of fear.
02:30It became the trademark of abduction, it became the trademark of scaring people, of following people.
02:38And to create a kind of neutrality and deterrence in society.
02:43Sometimes they come and they park this vehicle around or behind my car.
02:51Just to give me a message that we are around and we are there and you are no more safe.