Makran travel disrupted by transport strike

CM orders investigation into check post harassment claims

QUETTA:

The third day of a strike initiated by the All Makran Transport Union persisted on Friday, leading to traffic disruptions along the coastal belt of Balochistan. This situation left hundreds of pilgrims stranded at the Pakistan-Iran border, facing considerable difficulties.

Because of the strike, passenger buses and trucks were halted in Gwadar, affecting transportation across the three districts of Makran division – Panjgur, Kech and Gwadar. There were mounting concerns that a halt in traffic could lead to a potential shortage of food supplies.

The transporters had been protesting against what they claim unnecessary checking by the security forces at various check posts on the Coastal Highway and the RCD Highway. However, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti had ordered the provincial home minister to investigate the allegations.

The strike brought travel in the region to a standstill, severely impacting the movement of patients out of the province. Many faced serious difficulties as the closure of passenger buses had left them without a means to reach healthcare facilities in Karachi.

The transport union had established a camp at Bhawani, parking their vehicles in protest. They had issued a stern warning to the government, saying that if their demands were not met, they would escalate their protest by blocking the highways to all kinds of traffic.

The ongoing strike had not only affected local travellers but also left a significant number of pilgrims stranded at the border, while exacerbating concerns over food and supply shortages. The situation remained tense as the province awaited a resolution to the transporters' demands.

Local authorities had been urged to address the transport union's concerns promptly to prevent further disruption and to ensure that essential services, especially for those requiring medical attention, could resume without delay.