Attacks on Transport Vehicles Raise Fears of Food Shortages Across Balochistan

Quetta: Growing attacks on transport vehicles and incidents of trucks being set on fire along national highways in Balochistan have raised concerns over a potential shortage of essential commodities, particularly flour, in Quetta and other parts of the province.

According to local reports, the continued disruption of transport routes has created uncertainty in the supply chain, prompting fears that the delivery of food items may be severely affected in the coming days. Concerns have also emerged over alleged hoarding and profiteering, with traders reportedly stockpiling essential goods in anticipation of higher market prices.

Public circles have expressed concern over the situation, urging the government to ensure the uninterrupted movement of essential commodities and take strict action against hoarders and profiteers to prevent artificial price hikes.

Transporters have also voiced growing security concerns, saying repeated attacks on cargo vehicles and incidents of trucks being set on fire have made travel on several highways increasingly dangerous. As a result, many transport operators have reportedly suspended operations, while others have announced they will keep their vehicles off the roads until security conditions improve.

Residents fear that prolonged disruptions to transportation could lead to shortages of food supplies across the province. They warned that flour prices, currently around Rs. 3,000 per bag, could rise sharply if supply routes remain blocked and hoarding continues.

Citizens have called on the provincial and federal governments to restore security on national highways, protect transporters, maintain the supply of essential goods, and prevent profiteering to safeguard consumers from a possible food crisis.