A wave of attacks by the banned terrorist outfit Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) on cargo trucks and commercial transport routes has disrupted trade across Balochistan, with more than 35 vehicles reportedly torched in the past two weeks alone.
Representatives of Balochistan’s business community, transporters, importers, exporters, mine owners, traders and farmers have demanded immediate government intervention to address the attacks of banned BLA on cargo vehicles and the disruption of legal trade.
The demand was made during a consultative meeting chaired by Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) President Haji Muhammad Ayub Mariani. The meeting was attended by office-bearers of the chamber, transport unions, traders’ associations, the Zamindar Action Committee and representatives from various business sectors.
Stakeholders Form Committee to Engage Government
Following detailed discussions, participants agreed to establish a joint committee comprising representatives of all affected sectors. The committee will coordinate future actions and engage with provincial and federal authorities regarding security concerns and business losses.
Addressing the gathering, QCCI President Haji Muhammad Ayub Mariani said Balochistan was facing serious challenges that required a unified response from all stakeholders.
He revealed that he had raised the issue of highway closures and attacks on cargo vehicles with the Prime Minister, who assured him that an empowered committee would be dispatched to address the situation.
“We hope the highways will be reopened and normal business activities restored. If the situation does not improve, we will decide our future course of action,” Mariani said.
More Than 35 Cargo Trucks Torched in Two Weeks
Business leaders highlighted a series of attacks attributed to the banned terrorist outfit Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which have caused significant financial losses and disrupted commercial activities on key trade routes.
Balochistan Goods Truck Owners Association President Haji Noor Muhammad Shahwani informed the meeting that 28 cargo trucks had been set on fire during the past two weeks alone.
According to transporters and business representatives, more than 28 cargo trucks carrying various types of merchandise were torched by BLA terrorists during the last fortnight.
On May 26, terrorists attacked cargo vehicles on the Mastung Bypass along the Quetta-Karachi and Quetta-Taftan highways, where four cargo containers carrying traders’ goods and expensive equipment were stopped and set ablaze.
In another major incident on the same day, BLA militants targeted approximately 20 to 30 commercial cargo containers in the Batoo area of Nushki on the Quetta-Taftan RCD Highway (N-40). Most of the affected vehicles reportedly belonged to Pashtun transporters, resulting in heavy financial losses and disruption of trade on one of Pakistan’s most important transit corridors.
Earlier, on May 22, five coal-laden trucks were set on fire in Harnai district, further escalating concerns among transporters and business owners.
Business representatives argued that such attacks not only damage private property but also disrupt the supply of essential goods to remote and underdeveloped areas of Balochistan.
LPG Tanker Drivers Abducted for Ransom
The meeting was also informed about incidents involving the abduction of transport workers.
LPG Association leader Syed Atiqullah Agha stated that six tanker drivers had been abducted and were being held for ransom.
Mine Owners Seek Government Compensation
Pakistan Mines Owners Association Secretary General Syed Fateh Shah Arif said mine owners had already paid approximately Rs250 million in compensation to truck owners over the years due to losses caused by attacks and insecurity.
However, he stressed that it was now the responsibility of the government to compensate both transporters and mine owners who continue to suffer economic losses due to BLA attacks on local business community.
Traders Demand Compensation Fund and Improved Security
Several participants called for stronger collective action, warning that continued attacks on commercial vehicles could further damage Balochistan’s economy and discourage investment.
Representatives of fruit and vegetable traders, transport associations and other business groups urged the government to ensure the safe movement of goods on national highways and trade routes.
The participants unanimously demanded that the provincial government establish a dedicated compensation fund for businesses affected by attacks, vehicle losses and trade disruptions.
Business leaders emphasized that restoring security on highways and protecting commercial transportation networks remains essential for economic stability, uninterrupted trade and the livelihoods of thousands of families across Balochistan.
