QUETTA: The prolonged closure of banks and ATMs in Mastung has caused serious difficulties for residents, forcing many to travel to Quetta to access their own money.

The National Party (NP) has expressed serious concern over the closure of banks and ATMs, saying it was the responsibility of the local administration and security forces to provide security to banks.

“Salaried employees, pensioners, traders, the elderly and the disabled are facing severe difficulties due to the unavailability of banking facilities. Many are being forced to travel to Quetta simply to access their savings,” NP Mastung President Sikander Hayat Khan said.

He added that the absence of a basic facility like banking services had severely affected residents’ daily lives.

He urged the Balochistan chief minister to ensure the restoration of banking and ATM services in Mastung.

Published in Dawn, October 8th, 2026