QUETTA: The Central Traders Association of Balochistan has warned that retail goods transport companies may suspend deliveries for an indefinite period on national highways if authorities fail to take immediate action against armed groups allegedly involved in extortion of transporters along major routes. The move could trigger shortages of essential commodities across the province.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Central Traders Association President Abdul Rahim Kakar said the province’s retail goods transport network was the backbone of Balochistan’s economy and supported the livelihoods of thousands of families.

He said food items, medicines, electronics and other consumer goods transported from Sindh, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to various districts of Balochistan were facing increasing security threats due to the deteriorating law and order situation.

Kakar alleged that freight trucks travelling from Karachi to Quetta were being intercepted on national highways, taken to remote areas and subjected to extortion demands running into millions of rupees. He claimed that transporters refusing to pay were looted of cargo worth millions of rupees, while some vehicles had also come under gunfire or been set on fire.

He warned that suspension of transportation services would severely disrupt the supply of flour, sugar, cooking oil, pulses, rice, baby food, medicines and other essential commodities.

He further alleged that such incidents were occurring in Mastung, Kalat, Surab and Khuzdar despite the presence of multiple security checkpoints. According to him, organised groups had established networks to collect extortion money from transport companies, with demands of Rs10 million or more being made from a single truck.

Supplies of clothing, footwear, electronics, hardware, auto parts and construction materials would also be affected, leading to shortages and price increases.

Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2026