The All Balochistan Transporters Alliance has strongly rejected the government’s proposed security measures for passenger buses and commercial transport, calling them “impractical, ineffective, and an attempt to shift the burden of security failures onto transporters.”
In a joint statement issued by representatives and owners from bus, truck, oil tanker, and other transport unions, the alliance criticized the government’s plan to install surveillance cameras, security guards, tracking devices, and panic buttons in passenger vehicles.
The transporters argued that such steps are not compatible with the ground realities in Balochistan. “Two security guards cannot stop dozens of armed attackers,” the statement read. “These measures will only create panic and discourage people from traveling.”
The alliance also objected to restrictions imposed on vehicle movements, including the ban on buses heading towards Punjab after 11 a.m. and the requirement to halt travel on other highways after 5 p.m. Transporters said these policies endanger passengers, leaving vehicles stranded overnight on highways in unsafe conditions.
The transporters accused the government of using these measures as a face-saving tactic in the aftermath of recent attacks, where Baloch “pro-independence” armed groups offloaded alleged Pakistani military personnel from passenger busses and shot them dead. They urged the authorities to design realistic, sustainable security solutions instead of “cosmetic policies” that add further pressure to an already troubled sector.
The security measures were introduced after a recent attack near Kalat in which a passenger bus carrying Pakistani security personnel came under fire. Following the incident, various district administrations issued directives to transport owners to strengthen their security protocols.
Over the past year, armed groups have set up checkpoints and roadblocks in different parts of Balochistan. These include incidents where armed fighters stopped transport vehicles for searches, particularly targeting security personnel traveling in civilian transport.
In attacks near Nushki and Kalat, armed groups targeted security personnel traveling in regular passenger buses. The Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for those assaults.
The All Balochistan Transporters Alliance has demanded that the government hold serious consultations with the transport sector to formulate policies that genuinely enhance security without putting transporters and passengers at additional risk.