Balochistan Transporters Suspend Goods Delivery Over Highway Insecurity

QUETTA: The Central Traders Association of Balochistan, the Goods Transport Association, and the Retail Goods Association have announced the suspension of goods transportation, citing the worsening security situation on the province’s national highways and calling on the government to take immediate action.

Speaking at a joint press conference at the Quetta Press Club, transport leaders said the transport sector was facing a severe crisis due to rising insecurity. They claimed that highways from Khuzdar to Quetta and from Quetta to Taftan had become unsafe, placing both cargo transport and passenger travel at serious risk.

Transport leader Mir Nawab Mengal alleged that unidentified armed men were stopping vehicles at various locations and seizing goods. He claimed that in several incidents, trucks were set on fire after their cargo had been looted, while in other cases drivers and vehicle owners were allegedly asked to pay ransom.

He said goods trucks, containers, oil tankers, and other commercial vehicles were no longer safe, causing significant disruption to business activities. Mengal urged the government to strengthen security on national highways and take decisive action against those involved in kidnapping, extortion, and militant attacks.

The transporters said that due to security concerns, several freight companies had suspended their services and decided to halt cargo loading until effective security measures are put in place.

Abdul Rahim Kakar said transporters had announced two days earlier that their strike would continue until adequate protection was provided, but claimed that no meaningful contact had been made by the government so far.

He warned that if the situation persists, commercial activities would suffer further and the public could face shortages of essential commodities.

The transporters appealed to the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief Justice of Pakistan, the Corps Commander Balochistan, and other relevant authorities to intervene immediately. They called for the restoration of the state’s writ on national highways, comprehensive security for transporters, and compensation for those who have suffered losses.