Balochistan Goods Transporters Association Announces Protest Against Suspension of Trade Routes

Quetta:Haji Abdul Baqi Kakar, General Secretary of the Balochistan Goods Transporters Association, has stated that the association has suspended all types of cargo transportation to Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in protest. He mentioned that despite informing the government about their legitimate demands, no attention has been paid. The protest will continue until their issues are resolved.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Quetta Press Club along with Abdul Rahim Kakar, Yaseen Mengal, Jafar Khan Kakar, Sahil Khan Mandokhail, and Abdul Qadeem Baraich, Haji Abdul Baqi Kakar said that the suspension of goods transport is not only affecting the supply of essential commodities across the country but is also negatively impacting the national economy. He emphasized that the government has forced them into this situation.

He further stated that Haji Noor Muhammad Shahwani had approached the federal government regarding the legitimate issues of transporters but to no avail. They were neither heard nor given any assurances. The protest aims to raise their concerns until their demands are met.

Regarding fares, he mentioned that they have increased rates from Rs. 1500 to Rs. 5000 in Balochistan. He criticized the government’s decision to impose the Load Limit 1965 on transporters, calling it unjustifiable. They have proposed a new load limit of 45 tons to the government for consideration.

The association expressed its hope that the government would engage with them to formulate new policies instead of enforcing outdated regulations like Load Limit 1965. They reiterated their determination to continue the protest until their issues are addressed satisfactorily.