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       QUETTA: The truck drivers of Balochistan have threatened to block national highways if they were not provided security against the attack targeting their vehicles.

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       Balochistan Goods Truck Owners Association have expressed concerns over multiple attacks in which armed men torched their goods and vehicles.

       While addressing a press conference on Monday, the association’s president, Haji Muhammad Anwar Shahwani, and other leaders said truck drivers feel insecure on highways due to the failure of government and law enforcement agencies to provide them security.

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       The incidents of robberies, hijacking and attacks of trucks loaded with minerals and other items have bec-ome a routine, Mr Shahwani said.

       He added that truck drivers were not only suffering financial losses but also losing their lives in these attacks.

       Despite repeated calls for government intervention, these incidents continue, especially in Harnai, Shahrag, Duki, Chama-l-ang, Kalat, Mangochar and Noshki, according to Mr Shahwani.

       He said the government is silent over these attacks. The governor, chief minister, chief secretary and other officials “have not even met with the transporters to discuss their grievances”.

       He said four trucks were set on fire in Harnai and Ziarat recently. The transporters from Sibi, Loralai, and Zhob divisions have stopped moving coal from Harnai, Shahrag, Duki, and Chamalang due to these attacks.

       He announced that highways would be blocked on November 14 while coal loading from Quetta, Spin Karez, and Mach will be suspended from Nov 16 to protest against these attacks.

       “We are considering a province-wide strike, and a date will be announced in the coming week if the government continue to ignore our demands,” Mr Shahwani said.

       Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2024