QUETTA: The Baloch­istan government has decided to introduce a convoy system on highways across the province to ensure the safety of cargo trucks, passenger coaches and people travelling by road.

The decision was announced by Additional Chief Secretary Home Hamza Shafqaat during a meeting with representatives of the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) on Thursday. Quetta Com­missioner Shahzeb Khan Kakar also attended the meeting.

“Providing safe journeys and the smooth movement of transport and passengers is the government’s top priority,” Mr Shafqaat told business leaders, adding that the government wanted to make all highways safe and would take every possible measure to address the situation in this regard.

Mr Shafqaat and the commissioner announced that a convoy system for the secure movement of goods transport vehicles from the Taftan border to Quetta and other parts of the country would be launched soon.

Govt says move to ensure safe movement of cargo, passenger vehicles

They also said immediate steps were being taken to provide compensation to the families of those killed in the recent incident in Kalat.

‘Special measures’

The QCCI representatives expressed serious concern over continuing attacks on cargo trucks, LPG bowsers and other vehicles on highways in the province.

They urged the government to take special measures to protect the lives and property of transporters, passengers and the public.

The participants also shared their views and recommendations reg­arding the proposed convoy system and other security-related issues.

They complained that not only had incidents of trucks being set on fire continued, but cases of highway robbery had also increased, creating fear among importers, exporters, passengers and the general public. They pointed out that incidents such as the destruction of bridges had further worsened the situation.

Mr Shafqaat, Mr Kakar and Quetta Dep­uty Commissioner Meh­rullah Badini assured the transporters and business community that the government and district administration were fully aware of the seriousness of the situation and had already initiated measures to improve security on national highways across the province.

They said the convoy system for goods transport would be introduced shortly, while the services of the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and the Anti-Terrorism Force were being utilised to strengthen security and clear areas where repeated vehicle-burning incidents had taken place.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026