Balochistan Traders’ Association Alleges Deteriorating Security, Urges Immediate Action to Protect Highways

QUETTA: The Central Traders Association of Balochistan has expressed serious concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the province, alleging that national highways have been left vulnerable to attacks by militants and criminal elements and calling on the government to take immediate action to restore security.

In a joint statement, Association President Abdul Rahim Kakar, along with other office-bearers, said repeated attacks on traders, transporters, passenger vehicles, and cargo trucks have severely affected commercial activities and public confidence. The association claimed the government’s response has been inadequate and urged authorities to strengthen security across the province.

The traders said the ongoing strike by retail goods transporters, prompted by security concerns on national highways, has disrupted the supply of essential commodities to many districts of Balochistan. They warned that shortages of flour, sugar, cooking oil, pulses, medicines, and other daily necessities could emerge if the situation is not addressed promptly, potentially leading to higher prices and a wider commercial crisis.

Referring to recent incidents, the association cited the reported firing on a passenger coach in Mastung and the burning of more than ten cargo trucks and LPG tankers in the Padag area of Noshki. It argued that such attacks have continued for months and have affected traders, transporters, and ordinary citizens.

The statement said Quetta’s economy depends heavily on trade with other districts of Balochistan, adding that disruptions to cargo transportation have affected wholesale and retail businesses, delayed deliveries, and caused financial losses for traders and workers.

The association also questioned the effectiveness of numerous police, Levies, Frontier Corps (FC), and other security checkpoints along national highways, alleging that attacks have occurred near these checkpoints while criminals were able to escape. It further claimed that law-abiding citizens and transporters are frequently subjected to unnecessary checks, while criminal groups continue to operate.

The Central Traders Association called on the Balochistan government, the federal government, the Corps Commander Balochistan, the Inspector General of Police, the Frontier Corps, the Levies Force, and other relevant security agencies to restore the writ of the state on national highways, ensure the safety of traders, transporters, and the public, and take decisive action against those involved in attacks, extortion, kidnapping, robbery, and the burning of cargo vehicles.

The association concluded by expressing its support for the Balochistan Retail Goods Transporters and other transport organizations, stating that it stands with them in their demands for improved security and the protection of people and commercial traffic on the province’s highways.