QUETTA: After a seven-day journey covering approximately 700km, the long marchers protesting the closure of the Pakistan-Iran border crossing point reached the provincial capital on Friday night.

Starting from Mashkel, they traveled through various towns and cities along the Quetta-Taftan national highway, following a 38-day sit-in in support of their demands. The crossing point at the Pak-Iran border, Maza Sar, was closed by the Iranian government during Covid-19 pandemic and has remained shut for six years.

Mir Jiand Khan Reki, the march leader, told Dawn that the traders, tribal elders, business community, and members of civil society have been demanding the opening of the crossing point for many years, but the authorities concerned have not met their demand.

He said due to the closure of the crossing point, essential items like flour, rice, cooking oil, and other daily necessities are available at high prices in Mashkel. He said they will not call off their protest in Quetta until the opening of the crossing point and will stage a protest in front of the Balochistan Assembly until their demands are met.

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2024