QUETTA: A strike was observed in Quetta on Monday on the call of Markazi Anjuman-i-Tajiran Balochistan in protest against an “unbearable attitude” of Frontier Corps and Customs officials towards traders in the city and on the National Highway.

All shops, business centres and markets were closed in Quetta and traffic remained thin.

“We have been compelled to observe the shutter-down strike because of the unbearable attitude of FC and Customs officials,” said Rehim Kakar, the president of Anjuman-i-Tajiran. He said traders’ goods were being seized and impounded despite the fact they had permits to move their goods to different parts of the province and the country.

“They (FC and Customs officials) should stop smuggling of goods at the border, but we are transporting goods under legal documents and invoices all over the country,” Mr Kakar said.

Demonstration held in protest against ‘unbearable attitude’ of Frontier Corps and Customs officials

The traders and supporters of the business community held a demonstration at the Bacha Khan Chowk and chanted slogans against the FC and Custom officials. They blocked the centre of the city for several hours to get their protest registered.

They accused the FC and Customs officials of demanding bribe at the National Highway, particularly at Baleli checkpoint, for allowing their goods to move ahead.

Allah Dad Kakar, the General Secretary of Balochistan Traders Union announced that the traders would intensify their protest if the government did not resolve the issue immediately.

They threatened to block the National Highway on Feb 4 and stage a sit-in in front of Customs House in Quetta on Feb 8 to get their demands accepted.

Published in Dawn, January 26th, 2016