Bugti steps in after rickshaw protest

QUETTA:

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti personally met rickshaw driver Abdul Nabi Mengal in Quetta following a dramatic incident in which the driver set his vehicle on fire to protest alleged mistreatment by a traffic police officer.

During the meeting, the chief minister offered financial assistance to help Mengal purchase a new rickshaw and assured him that the provincial government would support citizens striving to earn a livelihood with dignity.

He emphasized that misconduct, abuse of authority, and disrespectful behavior by officials would not be tolerated.

Bugti instructed authorities to suspend the officer involved and ordered a transparent, impartial investigation into the matter. "Police personnel are responsible for protecting citizens and treating them fairly. Any deviation from these responsibilities will face strict disciplinary action," he said.

The incident, which took place on Airport Road, drew widespread public attention and prompted an immediate response from the provincial leadership. Financial aid has been approved to help Mengal recover his losses and resume work to support his family.