PkMAP Condemns Rising Highway Violence in Balochistan, Calls for Immediate Action
Quetta: The Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) has expressed grave concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Balochistan, alleging that highways across the province have become increasingly unsafe due to armed groups carrying out road blockades, shootings, and robberies.
In a provincial press release, the party said protecting the lives and property of citizens is the state’s foremost constitutional and moral responsibility. It warned that continued failure to restore peace and security would further erode public confidence in state institutions.
PkMAP cited a recent incident near Mastung in which Haji Painda Khan, a resident of Zhob, was traveling to Karachi with his family for medical treatment when unidentified armed men allegedly opened fire on their vehicle. The attack killed his wife and daughter-in-law, while Haji Painda Khan and two children sustained serious injuries.
The party also referred to an earlier incident in Pishin district in which six members of the same family reportedly lost their lives in a traffic accident linked to similar security conditions.
According to the statement, incidents involving armed groups setting up roadblocks, stopping vehicles, abducting passengers, and looting cash, mobile phones, jewelry, and vehicles have increased significantly, making travel on major highways, including the Quetta–Karachi route, highly dangerous.
Criticizing the government, PkMAP claimed that official statements portraying the security situation as fully under control do not reflect the realities on the ground. The party alleged that the government’s authority appears limited to official offices, press conferences, and VIP security arrangements, while ordinary citizens continue to face serious threats.
PkMAP strongly condemned the recent incidents and called on the authorities to ensure the safety of all citizens, secure the province’s highways, launch immediate and impartial operations against armed groups, arrest those responsible, bring them to justice, and provide compensation, protection, and justice to the affected families.
The party also expressed condolences to the family of Haji Painda Khan, prayed for the departed victims, and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
