Road link between Sindh and Balochistan still severed

SUKKUR:

When the raging torrents from Balochistan threatened to rip through upper Sindh, the government scrambled to cut off a portion of the National Highway near the Jacobabad bypass to protect the city. Though the measure was successful, many commuters wishing to travel to Balochistan have now been left in the lurch as the road has yet to be fixed.

About two weeks after the downpour, the danger has passed and the road is still being repaired at snail’s pace. All traffic coming and going to Balochistan is being diverted to Kandhkot and Karampur. It might take several days to fix the road and light traffic between the two provinces is being redirected through Sindh Wah, which is the shortest alternative route between them. According to reports, drivers have to pay the police Rs200 for using the route. Heavy vehicles, however, are not being allowed to pass through.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 24^th, 2012.