QUETTA: Transporters from across Balochistan have called off their strike launched after the government implemented new SOPs for passengers following last month’s attack on a bus in Noshki.

The transporters have also ended their sit-in on the highways after successful negotiations with Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti.

According to reports, Minister for Agriculture Mir Ali Madad Jattak, Home Minister Mir Ziau­llah Langove, Quetta Divi­sion Commissioner Quetta Hamza Shafqaat and PPP MPA Mir Liaquat Lehri played an important role in breaking the ice between the government and protesting transporters.

They held “meaningful talks” with the leaders of the transport alliance the other day and assured that they would arrange their meeting with the chief minister.

Bugti assures resolution of genuine issues

On Saturday, a delegation of the transporters met with CM Bugti to discuss their concerns.

After hearing their grievances, the CM assured them that their legitimate demands would be accepted and the government would extend all help to the transporters and ensure their security.

However, he said the action against smuggling will continue and that security checkpoints on highways will remain intact.

He also said that even though protest was a constitutional right, blocking roads causing inconvenience for the public will be met with legal action.

The CM also directed the Home Department to ensure that passenger buses were not stopped for more than 15 to 20 minutes at the checkpoints.

It was also decided in the meeting that the transporters would take measures for the passengers’ safety.

“One security guard will travel in each bus, and strict adherence to the government-issued regulations will be ensured in the public interest,” the chief minister said.

Published in Dawn, May 5th, 2024