QUETTA: Representatives of Balochistan’s business community have called for urgent federal intervention to address growing security threats, attacks on cargo vehicles, and disruptions to legal trade activities that have severely impacted the province’s economy.
The demand was made during a consultative meeting chaired by Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) President Haji Muhammad Ayub Mariani, attended by transporters, importers, exporters, mine owners, traders, farmers, and representatives of various business organizations.
Following detailed discussions, participants agreed to establish a joint stakeholders’ committee to coordinate future actions and engage with government authorities on issues affecting trade, transportation, and security.
Speaking at the meeting, Mariani said Balochistan’s business sector is facing unprecedented challenges and requires a united response. He revealed that concerns regarding highway closures and attacks on cargo vehicles had already been raised with the Prime Minister, who assured him that an empowered committee would be sent to address the situation.
“We are hopeful that highways will reopen and normal business activities will resume soon. However, if the situation remains unchanged, stakeholders will decide their future course of action,” he said.
28 Cargo Trucks Torched in Two Weeks
President of the Balochistan Goods Truck Owners Association, Haji Noor Muhammad Shahwani, said that at least 28 cargo trucks were set on fire during the last two weeks, resulting in significant financial losses for transporters.
He criticized authorities for failing to provide adequate support and warned that transport operations would remain suspended until compensation was provided to affected vehicle owners.
Business Community Raises Security Concerns
LPG Association leader Syed Atiqullah Agha highlighted additional challenges facing traders, including the relocation of LPG loading operations from Taftan to Mirjawa, which he said had complicated business operations.
He also claimed that six tanker drivers had been kidnapped and were being held for ransom, calling for the formation of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to investigate a recent fire incident at the Customs House.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Mines Owners Association Secretary General Syed Fateh Shah Arif said attacks on cargo trucks have remained a persistent problem since 1995.
He noted that mine owners had paid approximately Rs250 million in compensation to transporters over the years but argued that responsibility for compensating victims now rests with the government.
Demand for Compensation and Security Measures
Representatives from fruit and vegetable markets, transport unions, mining companies, and trade associations expressed concern over the continuing disruption of commercial activities across Balochistan.
Participants demanded enhanced security for highways, protection for cargo transport, and the establishment of a government compensation fund for businesses affected by violence and trade interruptions.
They warned that if immediate and practical measures were not taken, the business community would be forced to launch province-wide protests.
The meeting concluded with the formation of a stakeholders’ committee, which is scheduled to hold its first session to prepare recommendations and formulate a strategy for engagement with federal and provincial authorities