Manan Mandokhail:
Quetta: Bus transporters operating on the Quetta-Peshawar-Islamabad route have launched an indefinite strike, protesting against daily harassment and theft incidents at security check posts.
Buses Parked on Airport Road
Members of the Quetta Transporter Bus Association have parked their buses on Quetta Airport Road, demanding immediate action against the alleged misconduct by security personnel. Speaking to Quetta Voice, Bus Association leader Waheed Kakar stated that passenger buses traveling from Quetta to Islamabad and Peshawar face frequent robberies, yet their calls for security go unheard.
When we ask for protection, instead of ensuring our safety, our buses are stopped unnecessarily at security check posts, and drivers are extorted. Frustrated by this ongoing harassment, we have no choice but to protest indefinitely until our demands are met,†he said.
Buses Looted and Burned
Adding to their grievances, the owner of AK Movers condemned the burning and looting of one of their buses by terrorists following an accident. “This is a complete failure of the security forces. We demand compensation from the government and an end to the harassment of passenger buses under the pretext of security checks,†he said.
Customs Officials Accused of Extortion
A bus driver also highlighted issues at Manikha check post, where customs officials allegedly detain buses for hours, falsely label passengers’ belongings as smuggled goods, and demand bribes. “This is unacceptable. It wastes passengers’ time and adds to our suffering,†he stated.
The transporters have vowed to continue their protest until authorities take concrete steps to address their security concerns and end the mistreatment at check posts.
