Traders in Quetta Protest Against FC and Customs Raids
**Quetta:** Traders in Quetta held a protest against alleged illegal raids by the Frontier Corps (FC) and Customs authorities, as well as the closure of Zaranj Loader rickshaws. The demonstration took place at Link Saraki Road in the Baraich Market under the banner of the Central Traders Association of Balochistan.
Addressing the protest, CTA leaders including Abdul Rahim Kakr, Hazrat Ali Achakzai, Mir Yasin Mengal, Kaleemullah Kakr, Imran Tarin, Muhammad Jan Darvesh, and Amir Jan Agha alleged that FC and Customs officials conduct late-night raids on warehouses, seizing goods worth millions of rupees under dubious claims. They added that vehicles delivering legal goods across the city are frequently stopped, resulting in confiscations and the filing of cases, forcing traders to repeatedly visit offices to resolve issues.
The leaders criticized the renewed raids following the appointment of a new Customs Collector, despite previous assurances to halt such actions. They also opposed the designation of commercial areas as “no parking” zones without alternative arrangements and demanded the phased issuance of permits for Zaranj Loader rickshaws.
The traders warned that if the disruption to their businesses continues, they will stage more robust protests outside Customs and FC offices. The Central Traders Association announced that it will unveil its next course of action in a press conference in the coming days.
