QUETTA: Tribal elders and local residents blocked the Quetta-Zhob Highway in the Khanozai area on Thursday, halting traffic to protest the establishment of new districts and the merger of Karezat with other districts.

Protest leaders erected barricades on the highway, causing significant disruptions.

In response, CM Bugti instructed Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar, ANP leader Zamarak Khan Kakar and Balochistan Investment Board Vice Chairman Bilal Khan Kakar to visit the protest site.

The delegation engaged in discussions with the Karezza-Boston Committee leaders and assured them that their concerns would be addressed. Following negotiations, committee Chairman Jameel Ahmed and former MPA Abdul Wahid Siddiqui called off the protest, allowing traffic to resume.

Published in Dawn, February 13th, 2026