Pak-Afghan highway remains blocked

Protesters demand release of ANP press secretary Asad Khan Achakzai

QUETTA:

The Pak-Afghan International Highway remained blocked for the second consecutive day due to a protest against the disappearance of Awami National Party (ANP) provincial press secretary Asad Khan Achakzai.

According to the All Parties Anjuman-e-Tajiran’s address, roads remained completely closed on Thursday at Quetta-Chaman Highway Dara-e-Kojak.

The closure caused long queues of trucks carrying NATO supplies, Afghan transit trade and import-export, while several trucks loaded with fresh fruit and other goods were parked at various locations. As a result commercial activities have been completely suspended.

Karachi passenger coaches and small passenger vehicles have also been completely stranded.

Protestors have set up a camp at Dara-e-Kojak, Anjuman-e-Tajiran Balochistan President Dad Shah, Anjuman-e-Tajiran Chairman Bahadur Khan and Central Anjuman-e-Tajiran Shopkeepers Provincial Vice President Habibullah Achakzai, City President Haji Abdul Wahid and others expressed their solidarity whereas ANP District President Khan Muhammad Kakar and the leaders of all parties issued a statement stating that if Achakzai is not released, the protest would be expanded further in which all highways along with the entrances and exits of Balochistan would be closed.

"The protest will be intensified by closing the highways completely as such measures are causing great concern in the area," they said. A case has also been registered against Achakzai's brother Amjad Advocate. "We, once again, demand that Achakzai be released completely," he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 2^nd, 2020.