Transport Leaders Demand Fuel Price Relief and Economic Support for Balochistan

Quetta:Chairman of the Taftan Bus Transport Union, Mahmood Khan Badini, and President of the Balochistan Bus Transport Federation, Mir Saeed Ahmed Lehri, have strongly condemned the recent hike in petroleum prices—especially diesel—calling it an unjust and oppressive blow to the livelihoods of the poor, middle class, and particularly the transport community.

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the transport leaders said the sharp increase in fuel prices is pushing self-employed workers and small business owners to the brink. They demanded an immediate nationwide reduction in fuel prices and urged the federal government to provide special relief on Iranian fuel for the underdeveloped province of Balochistan.

“The people of Balochistan cannot bear the burden of such drastic price increases,” they said. “Unemployment, backwardness, poor road infrastructure, and the absence of motorways all highlight the need for urgent and targeted relief for the province.”

The statement emphasized that inflation in Balochistan should not be judged by national standards, and instead, a humanitarian approach must be adopted to ensure that relief is effectively delivered to the region’s population.

The transport union leaders further demanded the reopening of all trade routes along the Iran-Balochistan border and called for an end to labeling small-scale trade and food transport as “smuggling.” They argued that such trade is essential for local livelihoods and should be supported, not criminalized.

“It is the state’s responsibility to provide economic relief and support until all unemployed youth in Balochistan are given dignified employment opportunities,” the statement concluded.

The call from Balochistan’s transport sector reflects growing frustration in the province over rising costs, lack of development, and the neglect of basic infrastructure—especially when compared to other provinces.