The Balochistan government’s blockade of the main Karachi-Quetta highway at Lakpass in Mastung district has entered its 19th day, causing widespread disruption to trade, transport, and daily life across the region.
The Lakpass Tunnel — a key route connecting Quetta with Karachi and the Rakhshan, Makuran, and Kalat divisions — has remained closed since March 28, when the Balochistan government blocked access to prevent a protest march by the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) from reaching Quetta.
Subsequently, BNP-M began a sit-in at Lakpass in Mastung to demand the release of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leader Dr Mahrang Baloch and other detained activists. The protest has now entered its 19th day.
The highway closure has stranded freight trucks loaded with food supplies, and traders say large quantities of perishable goods — including vegetables, fruit, and dry items — have gone to waste.
Speaking to The Balochistan Post, a trader from Quetta said the blockade had caused losses amounting to millions of rupees.
“There’s a shortage of fruits, vegetables, sweets, snacks, and other essentials,” he said. “The government must take responsibility for this situation.”
Traders and civil society organisations have called on the Balochistan government to reopen the highway and ensure the protection of lives and livelihoods. They say the prolonged blockade reflects official “ego and obstinance.”
“The economic condition of Balochistan is already dire,” another trader said. “But this shutdown is pushing us toward total collapse — while the authorities continue to claim that everything is fine.”