GWADAR: Transporters continued their strike in Makran on Saturday, protesting alleged harassment at check posts on the highway, which has stra­n­ded large numbers of pilgrims and other people at the Pakistan-Iran border.

Transporters from Gwadar, Turbat and Panjgur districts have been on strike for the past four days, protesting harassment at checkpoints on the Coastal and RCD highways.

The pilgrims who returned from Iran after visiting Mashhad and other holy sites are facing difficulties upon arrival in Pakistan at the Gwadar border area. This is due to a lack of adequate hotels and rest houses in the area, leaving them without proper facilities.

They are facing severe shortages of essential items like food, drinking water, and other edible supplies. Additionally, patients requiring medical treatment outside Balochistan are facing extreme challenges, further exacerbating the crisis.

Many pilgrims stranded at Pak-Iran border in absence of public transport

According to officials, some groups of pilgrims, including women and children, have managed to arrange private transportation to their destinations. “However, a large number of pilgrims remain stranded, awaiting transport to leave the area. Meanwhile, the local administration is providing them with food and other essential items,” an official told Dawn.

The transporters have parked their vehicles at Bhawani Camp, warning the government that if their demands are not met, they will escalate the protest by blocking highways to all traffic.

Probe ordered

Minister for Home and Tribal Affairs Mir Ziaullah Langove has taken serious notice of reports of extortion demands at various security check posts in different areas of Balochistan and ordered an investigation into the matter.

The minister said Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti issued clear directives that no leniency would be shown to the individuals involved in extortion. He said administrative officers found complicit in extortion activities would face consequences.

Saleem Shahid in Quetta also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, May 26th, 2024