Highway blocked over Ramazan ration delay

Dozens of impoverished and deserving women staged a protest in Quetta on Thursday, completely blocking the Quetta-Karachi National Highway in front of the Deputy Commissioner's House.

The demonstrators, many of whom rely on government assistance to feed their families during fasting, accused provincial authorities of failing to distribute the Chief Minister's announced Ramazan ration package. Despite repeated visits to the Deputy Commissioner's office and submitted applications, they claimed essential items such as flour, rice, oil, and other groceries have not reached those in need.

Chanting slogans, the women expressed deep anger over what they described as false government promises. "We circle the DC office every day, but nothing happens," one protester shouted. They alleged that the ration relief announced at senior levels. similar to last year, has once again failed to reach the poor, severely affecting their ability to observe fasts and prepare iftar meals.

The blockade brought traffic to a standstill for several hours, with long queues of vehicles stretching in both directions. Travelers, transporters, and fellow fasting individuals endured intense heat, thirst, and delays. One fasting passenger, en-route to Karachi, lamented: "We are stuck here as iftar time approaches, with no access to water or food."

The protesters demanded immediate distribution of the ration packages, the release of a transparent list of eligible beneficiaries, and strict action against any officials involved in corruption or mismanagement.

They warned that if their demands are not met promptly, the protest would intensify, with the highway remaining blocked indefinitely.