All Makran Traders Union Rejects New Bus Timings, Warns of Protest Against Administration

Turbat (Numainda Intekhab) — The spokesperson of the All Makran Traders Union, in a statement, rejected the new bus timing notification issued by the district administrations of Gwadar and Kech, calling it unacceptable and against public interest.

The spokesperson criticized the decision to require buses traveling from Karachi to Gwadar to reach Uthal Zero Point by 4 AM, stating that such a schedule causes immense difficulties for passengers, families, businesspeople, and the general public. He warned that reaching Yusuf Goth at such an odd hour would open a new avenue for extortion by Karachi police, exposing Makran’s travelers to potential harassment and exploitation.

He emphasized that instead of prioritizing administrative convenience, the authorities should have created a mechanism that facilitates easy and safe travel for the people of Gwadar, Kech, and the wider Makran region. He further stated that all residents of Makran, both local and non-local, are respected, and considering the dangers of night travel, ticketing should be scheduled during daylight hours. Passengers should travel in convoys for safety, while those who do not perceive any threat should be allowed to travel freely, day or night, to ensure public and business convenience.

The spokesperson also urged the district administration to reconsider its notification, and demanded an end to the prolonged stoppages at Talar Check Post, Badok Check Post, and Nakha Khardi, which he described as a major source of distress for travelers. He highlighted that unloading diesel takes hours, causing severe hardship for patients, traders, and ordinary passengers.

Concluding his statement, he called on the district administration to seriously address these issues and provide better travel facilities. He warned that failure to do so would compel the All Makran Traders Union to announce a future course of action, including the possibility of protests.