Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove has said that recent attacks on LPG tankers and trade convoys in the province are part of a broader attempt to undermine Pakistan’s economy, disrupt trade with neighbouring countries, and discourage foreign investment.
His remarks came after armed members of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) set fire to three LPG tankers travelling from Iran in the Nokcha area of Chagai district on July 26.
According to officials, 12 to 14 terrorists established a temporary checkpoint on the N-40 Highway with the intention of extorting money from passing vehicles. When the drivers refused to pay extortion demands, the attackers set three LPG tankers ablaze before fleeing the scene on motorcycles.
The incident occurred approximately 28 kilometres from Dalbandin.
Speaking about the attack, Langove said that the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and other outlawed groups are targeting not only commercial convoys arriving from Iran but are also attempting to sabotage Pakistan’s economic partnerships with friendly countries, including China and Iran.
He said the objective of these organisations is to inflict economic losses on Pakistan, discourage foreign investment, and damage the country’s international reputation.
The provincial minister further alleged that these organisations receive financial support from the Indian government while their operational activities are being directed from Afghanistan.
The prolonged disruption is also affecting thousands of families in Balochistan’s border districts, where transport and logistics remain among the primary sources of employment.
Residents of Chagai and surrounding areas largely depend on commercial trucking, border trade, fuel transportation, customs-related services, and associated businesses for their livelihoods. Industry representatives warn that continued attacks on commercial vehicles could result in significant financial losses for transport companies, drivers, loaders, mechanics, fuel suppliers, roadside businesses, and local traders.
Terrorist banned outfit has been targeting local population, kidnapping people for ransom, setting fie to goods transport vehicles for extortion.
Authorities are reviewing additional security measures to ensure the safe movement of commercial traffic and restore normal trade operations between Pakistan and Iran.
