Oil traders in Turbat, in Balochistan’s Kech district, are reportedly being profiled under the pretext of issuing trade tokens.
According to local sources, the profiling has been ongoing for the past three days. They claim the process was ordered by the Commandant of the Frontier Corps (FC) and is being carried out by Deputy Commissioner Ismail Baloch and Additional Deputy Commissioner Tabish.
Vehicle owners have been instructed to provide personal information, identification documents, and a guarantee from a grade-17 officer. Those who fail to comply reportedly risk having their trade tokens canceled.
It is important to note that the livelihoods of many in the Makuran region, including Turbat, depend heavily on border trade. However, recent restrictions and stricter border control measures have already left oil traders struggling to make ends meet.
Critics of the profiling process allege that it is being used as a tool for harassment. They claim that individuals with family members or associates linked to Baloch nationalist parties or organizations are being unfairly targeted.