Balochistan Traders and Transporters Warn of Stronger Protests if Highway Security Is Not Improved Within Five Days

Quetta: Representatives of major traders’ and transporters’ organizations in Balochistan have demanded immediate security measures on the province’s national highways, warning that they will intensify their protest campaign if the government fails to improve the security situation within the next five days.

The warning was issued during a joint press conference attended by leaders of the Central Anjuman-e-Tajiran Balochistan, All Balochistan Retail Goods Association, All Pakistan Mazda Truck Association, Bus and Coach Association, Cargo Association, and Karachi Goods Carrier Association.

Speaking on the occasion, Central Anjuman-e-Tajiran Balochistan President Abdul Rahim Kakar strongly condemned the recent killing of laborers in Mastung and called on the authorities to provide immediate security on the Karachi–Quetta, Quetta–Taftan, Dalbandin, and other national highways. He urged the government to ensure complete protection for transporters, drivers, traders, and their property.

Kakar demanded indiscriminate action against those involved in kidnappings, extortion, highway robberies, and the burning of cargo trucks. He also called for permanent highway patrols, an effective emergency response system, and the establishment of secure trade corridors to ensure the safe movement of commercial transport.

He said transport vehicles and fuel tankers had repeatedly come under attack on national highways over the past several months, while drivers had reportedly been abducted for ransom. According to him, the deteriorating law and order situation is not only a concern for transporters but also for the general public.

Kakar stated that traveling by road from Quetta to Karachi has become extremely dangerous, while air travel remains unaffordable for many people. He added that his organization had earlier announced the suspension of retail goods transportation to various parts of Balochistan, but despite several days passing, the government and relevant institutions had failed to take effective action.

The traders’ and transporters’ representatives warned that if adequate security arrangements are not put in place on the national highways within the next five days, they will escalate their protest movement.