HOTEL MAFIA: Hotels along high-ways and motorways have turned into mafia businesses that charge exorbitant sums against their services. They thrive in the absence of state oversight, squeezing the already poor passengers of their meagre resources. The tragedy is that transporters work in collusion with the owners of these hotels, whereby the drivers and the staff of transport companies savour free meals in addition to getting some cash. When the passengers complain, which they hardly do, nothing happens. This is hardly surprising in the absence of state regulations. Unless these mafias are made to fear the consequences of their unjust actions, the passengers will continue to suffer.

Muhammad Ilyas Mandokhail
Zhob

BANK ROBBERIES: Bank robberies have become a recurring issue across all cities in Balochistan. However, Turbat and Panjgur have repeatedly emerged as the most targeted areas. A bank cash vehicle carrying a large amount of money in Turbat was recently attacked by armed robbers who managed to seize over Rs200 million. This shocking incident exposed the vulnerability of even heavily-guarded cash movements. Besides, three banks were recently looted simultaneously in Panjgur, raising further concerns among the account holders. As such, the robbers reportedly escaped with more than Rs1.5 billion. Such prevailing lawlessness shows poor security arrangements, and emboldens criminal elements.

Hasil Wahid
Turbat

UNBEARABLE STENCH: Gilgit city, once known for its cleanliness and natural beauty, is bound to turn into a foul-smelling urban centre due to the ongoing Gilgit-Baltistan sewerage project. It seems like those at the helm of affairs want to compel the residents to move out of the city because of unbearable stench. Whether this is a deliberate attempt to push people out, or sheer incompetence and poor planning, the outcome is the same. The project must be stopped or to be carried out with due diligence.

Salman Rushdi
Gilgit

Published in Dawn, January 10th, 2026