Growers block highways in Balochistan over load-shedding
News Desk :
QUETTA: Growers Action Committee (GAC) blocked all main national highways in Balochistan in protest over unannounced and prolonged load-shedding. The GAC blocked the national highway linking Quetta with Karachi at Lak Pass.
“Government forced growers to block highways”, Haji Abdul Rehman Bazai, the central leader of GAC said. Mr. Bazai informed growers have blocked highways and roads at 22 points in various parts of Balochistan.
Highways blocked at Kol Pur and Lak Pass
Growers blocked the highway linking Balochistan with Sindh at Kolpur and blocked the Chaman-Quetta route at Yar. Long queues of vehicles can be witnessed at all highways as a result of the blockade of roads by the growers.
“In rural Balochistan, the government is providing only 2 hours of power supply”, Mr. Bazai claimed. He said continued power outages have severely affected standing crops and orchards of growers.
#BreakingNews…Growers action committee blocked all #NationalHighways in #Balochistan against unannounced and #Prolonged #LoadShedding pic.twitter.com/y9BOHpoAHc
— Quetta Voice (@VoiceQuetta) April 1, 2021
Protesters threw stones in the middle of roads
The protesters have thrown stones, burnt tires in the middle of roads and parked their vehicles to cause complete suspension of traffic on highways. People are facing difficulties as a result of the blockade of roads by growers.
“Since morning, I have been waiting in my vehicle to move towards Karachi”, Abdul Sattar, a vehicle owner complained. “Where is the government, it should open roads”, Mr. Sattar said.
The Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) officials said there were billions of outstanding against the growers. “Growers are not paying their bills and using electricity”, an official of the QESCO said. He requested anonymity.
“QESCO should first provide electricity and then demand bills”
However, Mr. Bazai argues, “QESCO should first provide electricity and then demand bills”.
The growers’ protest has come after the government employees blocked roads leading to the Red Zone in Quetta in support of their demands. Roads remain closed in Quetta for the fourth consecutive day by the protesting employees.
