Balochistan traders protest against petrol price hike

BTA leaders complained about the increase in POL prices, target killings and kidnappings.

QUETTA: The Balochistan Traders Association (BTA) staged a protest in Quetta on Wednesday, condemning the hike in petroleum prices, complaining that it would add to the woes of the poor. 

Scores of BTA workers led by the association’s President, Abdul Rahim Kakar staged a noisy demonstration at Mezan Chowk and raised slogans against the government for its failure to provide relief to the common people.

The protesters complained that the increase in fuel prices would affect the prices of other essential commodities, causing inflation in the country.

BTA leaders, including Abdul Rahim Kakar and Allah Dad, addressed the demonstrators, rejecting the recent increase in petroleum prices by calling it unjust and that it would add to the misery of the poor.

“The petroleum products have been increased by 50 per cent during the past four years.The increase in POL prices will push the transportation cost of goods up to the disadvantage of the traders and common people.”

They also criticised the government for the deteriorating law and order situation in the province, saying incidents of kidnapping for ransom had become a routine matter in the province, particularly in Quetta.

Speaking on target killing, the leaders said that incidents of target killing were fanning differences amongst the different communities of Quetta, urging for a strong action against culprits.