Extortion Rampant in Makran; Billions Looted, Balochistan Assembly Raises Alarm Over FIR Against Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rahman

Quetta (Daily Qudrat Quetta) – Balochistan Assembly members raised serious concerns over **widespread extortion and economic disruption in the Makran region**, highlighting that billions of rupees are being extorted at check posts amid ongoing transporters’ strikes. Members also demanded action following the **FIR registered against Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rahman in Qilla Abdullah**.

During a **point of order** in the assembly session, **National Party chief Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch** said that the strike by transporters has worsened the situation, **blocking border trade and allowing unchecked extortion at every checkpoint**. He urged the government to address complaints from both transporters and affected citizens, warning that locals are struggling for basic necessities due to the economic disruption.

**Parliamentary Secretary Mir Asghar Rand** added that bus services have been suspended for two months, causing taxi fares to skyrocket to **PKR 40,000**, while plane tickets also start at the same price. He urged the transport department to take immediate action.

Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rahman disclosed that **daily extortion of 100–150 million rupees** occurs at five checkpoints in Makran, along with collection of large quantities of diesel. Despite being declared a wanted person under an FIR in Qilla Abdullah, he stressed that his political activism is peaceful and denounces armed groups.

**Parliamentary Secretary Majeed Badini** highlighted additional grievances, including new taxes on agriculture in Naseerabad and Jaffarabad and unpaid salaries for municipal employees for the past four months. Speaker Captain (R) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai instructed the relevant ministers to address these issues and advised Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rahman to secure his bail and provide details regarding the FIR.

Opposition leader **Mir Yunus Aziz Zehri** warned that if law enforcement officers register FIRs illegally or fail to comply with the speaker’s instructions, action must be taken against them.

During the session, members **Syed Zafar Agha and Asfandyar Kakr** also expressed gratitude to the provincial cabinet and government for creating new districts and divisions in **Pishin District**. The assembly adjourned the session until **Friday at 3 PM**.