The Karachi-Quetta Highway, also known as the N25, is a crucial route that passes through cities like Khuzdar, Kalat, Hub and Lasbela. The 700-kilometer-long stretch should ideally take 6-7 hours but due to persistent problems like broken roads, potholes, traffic congestion and security concerns, but the drive ends up taking 13-14 hours.
The deteriorating state of the road is marked by frequent traffic jams near toll plaza, markets and cities — something that significantly delay commuters. Incidents of robbery and violence are not at all uncommon on the route and passengers are kidnapped and killed. Limited access to restaurants, rest stops and fuel stations along the way makes traveling extremely difficult, while weather concerns such as heatwaves, flooding, sandstorms and rainfall pose additional risks. Moreover, the route has steep and winding roads through mountains which can be challenging to navigate.
This neglected highway is a lifeline for trade and travel yet faces immense neglect which greatly inconveniences travels and even endangers their lives. The government must take action to rehabilitate the route and improve traveling conditions by improving infrastructure and roadside facilities.
Sana Baloch
Hub
