Transporters have initiated a wheel-jam strike, protesting against the numerous security checkpoints that dot the roads across Balochistan. According to the transporters’ unions, their vehicles are routinely halted for several hours at these checkpoints. They assert that the prolonged checking is merely an excuse, and drivers and vehicles are subjected to indefinite stops without proper justification.
The transporters demand an overhaul of the current system, advocating for the replacement of hundreds of scattered checkpoints with a joint check post system. Under this proposed system, vehicles would undergo thorough checks once or twice, rather than facing repeated stops.
The transporters say that passengers are bearing the brunt of these indefinite halts, especially during the sweltering summer weather. Additionally, perishable goods such as fruits and vegetables destined for different cities are rotting due to the delays, they say
Transporters emphasize that what should be a few hours’ journey often stretches into an entire day due to the frequent stops. In response, they call for the removal of checkpoints or threaten to stage protests across Balochistan, potentially blocking major highways.