Quetta-Chaman highway: Transporters’ protest suspends traffic

Goods transporters block thoroughfare to demonstrate against extortion and lawlessness.

QUETTA:

The second day of protest by transporters at Quetta-Chaman International Highway leaves long queues of vehicles stranded.

Goods transporters had blocked the thoroughfare on Saturday to demonstrate against extortion and lawlessness in the Qila Abdullah district of Balochistan.

As protesters and administration reach a stalemate in negotiations, the passenger buses, Afghan transit and Nato supply containers remain suspended on both sides of the highway.

Meanwhile, the highway at Gadang area was also closed down by Goods Truck Owners Association on Sunday.

A sit-in was also staged at railway track near Zadaband area. Later some unidentified men opened indiscriminate fire on locomotives due to which train service between Quetta and Chaman was halted.

Deputy Commissioner Qila Abdullah, Bashir Bangulzai acknowledged that the demands of transporters were legitimate.

“No doubt the government writ has weakened but the main problem is presence of black sheep in the system.”

Bangulzai also said that assistant commissioner of the district will be suspended as a disciplinary action.

A committee has been formed to take action against extortionists and elements behind deteriorating law and order condition, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 28^th, 2013.