Armed Clashes in Wadh Leave Quetta-Karachi Highway Closed for 9 Hours, Thousands of Passengers Stranded

Khuzdar: The security situation in **Wadh area of Khuzdar district, Balochistan, has deteriorated as armed clashes continue, resulting in the closure of the Quetta-Karachi National Highway for nearly nine hours.

The highway was reportedly blocked due to an alleged road blockade by armed individuals, leaving thousands of passengers, including women, children, elderly people, patients, transporters, and cargo vehicles stranded on both sides of the route.

According to UNA, intense clashes are ongoing between armed groups and security forces in Wadh and surrounding areas, with tensions remaining high. Following reports of firing and security operations, authorities closed the national highway to protect citizens from potential risks.

The closure has severely disrupted road links between Quetta, Khuzdar, Hub, Karachi, and other districts of Balochistan. Long queues of passenger buses, coaches, trucks, oil tankers, and private vehicles have formed on both sides of the highway.

Many stranded travelers are facing difficulties due to extreme heat, shortage of drinking water, food shortages, and other hardships. Patients and families traveling with children are also reportedly experiencing serious problems.

The district administration has advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel due to the prevailing security situation. Officials have recommended avoiding travel on the Quetta-Karachi Highway for the next two to three days until conditions improve.

Authorities said security forces are continuing operations to restore normalcy, and traffic will only be reopened after ensuring the safety of the route. Citizens have also been advised not to rely on rumors and to follow updates from official sources.

Transporters and passengers have demanded immediate relief measures for stranded people, including the provision of drinking water, food, and medical assistance. They also urged authorities to reopen the highway as soon as possible to restore passenger movement and trade activities between Balochistan and Sindh.

The Quetta-Karachi National Highway is one of Balochistan’s most important communication routes, and prolonged closures can significantly affect transportation, supply chains, and commercial activities across the region. The authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the highway remains closed.