President of the All Balochistan Goods Truck Transport Companies Association (Registered), Noor Ahmed Kakar, on Wednesday condemned the firing on cargo trucks, the torching of vehicles, and the injuring of drivers in various areas of Balochistan. He said that if the government did not ensure compensation payments to the victims by June 10, transporters would stop supplying cargo on the Quetta-Taftan National Highway.
Addressing a press conference at the Quetta Press Club along with other office-bearers of the All Balochistan Goods Truck Transport Companies Association (Registered), he said that if their issues were not resolved, they would be forced to adopt a protest strategy through mutual consultation, holding the government fully responsible for the resulting situation.
He said that over the past several days, cargo trucks had been set on fire and drivers had been shot and injured in various areas of Balochistan. He added that such incidents had become a daily occurrence on the Loralai-Harnai Road as well as on the Quetta-Taftan Highway. He said, ‘Due to rising lawlessness, transporters are feeling insecure.’ He added, ‘The government and administration appear unable to ensure our protection, so transporters may suspend cargo services in Balochistan and seek livelihoods in other provinces.’ He further said that no attention was being paid to the damage caused to trucks or the injuries sustained by drivers, nor were victims being provided security or compensation for their losses. He added, ‘Because of this, we will not continue cargo services without a guarantee of compensation payments.’
He said that if the government did not pay the claims by June 10, transporters would suspend cargo supplies and adopt a protest plan, holding the government fully responsible for the resulting situation.