NUSHKI: The All Balochistan Bus Transport Federation has suspended its service in Chagai, Nushki and surrounding districts to protest the alleged misbehaviour by Customs officials.

Federation’s vice president Malek Shah Jamaldini told Dawn on Saturday that all buses in Rakhshan division, comprising Chagai, Nushki, Washuk and Kharan districts, were stopped to register their protest.

“Our buses are being stopped at the Customs check-posts for hours due to which not only the transporters but passengers are also suffering. The Customs officials think that every bus is loaded with smuggled goods which is unacceptable for us,” he said.

Mr Jamaldini claimed that Customs officials were facilitating smugglers after taking huge bribes. He said some of these officials were performing duty at Nushki check-post despite being suspended for their involvement in illegal activities.

He asked the authorities concerned to stop Customs officials from misbehaving with the transporters, otherwise they would block the RCD Highway.

A spokesman of Pakistan Customs in Quetta told Dawn that Pakistan Customs high command had decided to meet the protesters and listen to their concerns on Monday.

Published in Dawn, August 29th, 2021