PkMAP Alleges Extortion and Daylight Robberies on Quetta–Chaman Highway Under Security Forces’ Watch

*Quetta:* The Pakhtunkhwa National Awami Party (PkMAP) has alleged that the Quetta–Chaman international highway has effectively been handed over to extortionists and armed criminal groups, with robberies and illegal collections continuing openly despite the heavy presence of security forces.

In a press release issued from the party’s provincial secretariat, PkMAP claimed that different sections of the highway have allegedly been allocated to various armed groups engaged in extortion and criminal activities. The party alleged that these illegal acts are being carried out with the tacit support of the government and certain state institutions, as vehicles are being stopped in broad daylight, traders and drivers are forced to pay extortion money, and even women are reportedly being robbed of their jewelry.

The statement said that despite checkpoints operated by the Frontier Corps (FC) and other security forces, such incidents continue unchecked, creating the impression that the armed groups enjoy official patronage. PkMAP strongly condemned the organized extortion and looting allegedly taking place from Syed Hamid Cross to Qila Abdullah and Chaman.

The party emphasized that the Quetta–Chaman highway is not only an international trade route but also the primary lifeline for daily travel, commerce, and economic activity for millions of people. However, it said the road has been left at the mercy of extortionists, criminal gangs, and illegal barriers set up in the name of “checking.”

According to the press release, traders, shopkeepers, transporters, drivers, and employees of private companies are openly being forced to pay extortion money at multiple points, while the provincial government and relevant security institutions have maintained what the party described as “criminal silence.”

PkMAP further stated that due to extortion, looting, and a climate of fear, severe shortages of food items, medicines, and other essential goods have emerged in Chaman and surrounding areas, paralyzing daily life. Passenger vehicles traveling between Quetta and Chaman, as well as Chaman and Pishin, are allegedly being forcibly stopped, causing serious hardship to travelers and bringing commercial activity to a standstill.

The party strongly criticized the provincial government, the Home Department, and security agencies for what it termed failure, incompetence, and lack of seriousness in addressing the situation. It said that if extortionists continue to operate freely despite FC checkpoints, it either reflects a complete failure to fulfill constitutional and legal responsibilities or deliberate protection of criminal elements—both of which it said are unacceptable.

PkMAP demanded immediate, indiscriminate, and strict legal action against all individuals involved in extortion and looting on the Quetta–Chaman highway, the removal of all illegal barriers, and the restoration of safe and unhindered movement for the public.

The party warned that if the provincial government and concerned institutions fail to resolve the issue promptly, it reserves the right to launch a strong, organized protest movement in collaboration with the public, placing full responsibility for the consequences on the government and security agencies.