Extortion

Letter July 04, 2019
The government should take strict measures to end extortion

KHARAN, BALOCHISTAN: The practice of demanding extortion money on the CPEC National Highway is a serious problem causing a significant drop in the income of oil and fruit suppliers. The Levies and the police deployed all along the highway stop these truck drivers and demand extortion money. Even though these forces are in charge of maintaining peace, and for ensuring the safety of the travellers, they are involved in such practices. Truck drivers that transport oil and fruits are facing great difficulty due to this. This money is not part of the official taxes or a duty imposed by the government, but is illegally taken by officers on duty. This is also occurring in Turbat, Panjgur, Washuk, Kharan, and Khuzdar, among other places. The provincial government remains oblivious of this issue; hence no step has been taken to resolve it. Thousands of people earning their livelihood by transporting these goods and many others are being impacted by this extortionist practice. The government should take strict measures to end extortion.

Hassan Jan

Published in The Express Tribune, July 4th, 2019.

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