Ali Hamza, News Desk:Â
The business community, traders, and goods transporters in Balochistan have issued a strict 48-hour ultimatum to the provincial government to address worsening security conditions or face a complete, indefinite economic shutdown across the province.
​The joint alliance warned that if their demands are not met within the deadline, they will launch an indefinite wheel-jam strike, completely blocking all major national highways in Balochistan and forcing the closure of all markets and business centers.
​Massive Economic Losses Spark Protest
​The emergency declaration follows a high-level consultative meeting at the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI), led by QCCI President Haji Muhammad Ayub Mariani. The meeting brought together the Balochistan Goods Truck Owners Association, mining unions, and regional traders to address the continuous targeted attacks on commercial supply chains.
​According to transport leaders, the situation has become unsustainable. Haji Ayub Mariani, the President QCCI revealed that dozens of cargo trucks have been torched and destroyed on key routes over the past two weeks alone.
​Traders and drivers expressed deep frustration over the provincial government’s failure to provide basic protection on vital transport corridors, leaving the local economy on the brink of collapse.
​Key Demands Issued to the Government
​The business coalition has demanded immediate action on three main points:
​Highway Security: Immediate deployment of security forces to clear transit routes and eliminate illegal extortion checkpoints.
​Financial Compensation: A government compensation fund for owners whose trucks, goods, and assets were burned or destroyed.
​Driver Protection: Tangible safety guarantees for transport workers facing threats and abductions on the roads.
​If the 48-hour ultimatum expires without concrete implementation from the Balochistan government, an indefinite highway blockade and provincial shutter-down strike will commence immediately.
