Manan Mandokhail:
QUETTA: Transporters, growers and traders threatened to observe a wheel jam strike in Balochistan for an indefinite period if the government failed to address their grievances. “Government should resolve our issues by July 18, otherwise, we will block all highways in Balochistan”, Haji Noor Muhammad Shahwani, the central leader of the transporters in Balochistan announced.
The transporters demanded compensation for the damages of 9 trucks burnt in Harnai district and compensation for the damage caused by bursting the tires of 14 trucks.
Pinjara Bridge is yet to be constructed in Bolan
Haji Mir Daulat Lehri, another leader of the transporters in Balochistan said due to the poor performance of the National Highway Authority, Panjara bridge on N65 is yet to be reconstructed for the last more than one year.
He also noted the delayed reconstruction of 6 bridges between Othal and Bela on N25, Danasar, Dera Ismail Khan, dilapidated condition and destruction of the highway, Sultan on N40. Destruction of the Ascent and Nushki to Dalbandin highways had compounded the problems of the transporters.
Security forces check posts should be abolished
Within Balochistan, FC, customs levies and police check posts should be abolished from all national highways, extortion should also be abolished at Lakpas and Bileli check posts, the transporters demanded.
Haji Noor Muhammad Shahwani said smuggling should be stopped in the name of sugar and urea fertilizer permits to Afghanistan and the so-called NOC permits being issued to mafias should be banned, which is used to smuggle sugar in dozens of trucks every day through the permits of influential people.
Smuggling under the nose of Customs
The transporters lamented that smuggling was being done right under the nose of Customs.
Sindh Police’s harassment of Balochistan trucks and buses at Jacobabad should be stopped.
Illegal encroachments should be eliminated from the truck parking area of Hazar Ganji, and Tela Thara Mafia encroachers do not leave the trucks in the parking area. Mini petrol diesel pumps should be removed from inside the truck parking area.
