QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti on Wednesday extended his full support to a rickshaw driver, announcing financial assistance for the purchase of a new rickshaw, following an incident of alleged police misconduct.

During the meeting, CM Bugti offered his condolences by embracing the driver, Abdul Nabi Mengal, and expressed his solidarity with him. He also approved immediate financial support to compensate for the driver’s economic loss and to enable him to purchase a new rickshaw.

The incident occurred on Airport Road in Quetta, where Mr Mengal, distressed by alleged mistreatment by a traffic police official, set his rickshaw on fire in a state of severe mental stress.

CM Bugti took strong notice of the incident and ordered the immediate suspension of the concerned traffic police official and ordered a transparent inquiry. He emphasised that any abuse of power or mistreatment of citizens would not be tolerated.

“The police are meant to serve the public and protect their dignity. Any official who fails to uphold this duty will face strict action,” the chief minister said.

Published in Dawn, January 8th, 2026