Joint resolution adopted: MPAs seek withdrawal of security check posts

QUETTA:

The Balochistan Assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution demanding immediate withdrawal of security check posts in Taftan, Chaman, Turbat and Panjgur. Calling them the bordering areas of Iran and Afghanistan, the provincial lawmakers said the check posts were causing disruption in trade.

Tabled by Liaquat Agha of the Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party and backed by the PML N’s Ghulam Dastagir Badini and the National Party’s Haji Islam, the resolution pointed out that Balochistan is the largest but least developed province of Pakistan. Its traders pay all taxes to the customs in Panjgur, Turbat, Taftan and Chaman areas in the bordering check posts.

The day’s session was chaired by Deputy Speaker Abdul Quddus Bizenjo on Saturday.

Trucks laden with goods come from far flung areas, including the provincial capital. These vehicles are often intercepted by the security forces in different check posts and stopped for many days. The people of Balochistan are suffering because of the delay in supplies, they say.

The PkMAP MPA claimed that “self-established check posts” of security forces were creating problems for locals as security personnel demanded bribes from truck owners. “The security personnel demand Rs500 for allowing a truck to proceed towards Quetta from Chaman and on its return trip back they demand Rs1,000 per truck.”

In contrast, he said, trade is encouraged along the Wagah border where around 150 trucks of vegetables pass by on a daily basis.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 17^th, 2015.