Balochistan: Night Travel Restrictions Enforced on Major Highways
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Synopsis
On March 30, 2023, the Balochistan provincial government imposed a nighttime travel ban on key national highways in response to escalating unrest. The ban is effective from 6 pm to 6 am, impacting public transport and follows a recent suicide bombing incident during a political rally.
Key Takeaways
- Balochistan government enforces night travel ban.
- Restriction applies from 6 pm to 6 am.
- Several highways affected including Coastal Highway and Quetta-Taftan Road.
- Recent violence includes a suicide blast injuring six.
- BNP continues to protest for detained leaders.
Quetta, March 30 (NationPress) In light of escalating tensions in Pakistan’s Balochistan, the provincial authorities have enforced a prohibition on nighttime travel along numerous vital national highways.
As per a directive released by the deputy commissioners (DCs), this restriction affects public transport, banning movements from 6 pm to 6 am, according to various media outlets.
The ban encompasses several major highways, such as the Quetta-Taftan Road, Loralai-Dera Ghazi Khan Road, Sibi Road, Coastal Highway, and Zhob-Dera Ismail Khan Road.
This decision follows an incident where at least six individuals sustained injuries due to a suicide explosion near a rally organized by Pakistan’s Balochistan National Party (BNP) on Saturday in the Mastung district, as reported by The Express Tribune.
Condemning the attack, BNP leader Ahktar Mengal characterized it as a failed endeavor to disrupt the protest once more.
Simultaneously, the BNP's demonstration demanding the release of detained Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders persisted on Sunday, following unsuccessful negotiations between the provincial government and the party.
Over 250 BNP activists were also detained during the rally, which aimed to conduct a peaceful long march to Quetta against the unlawful detention of BYC leaders and supporters.
The BNP orchestrated the rally from Wadh to Quetta in protest of the illegal arrests of BYC leaders and activists, including Mahrang Baloch and Sammi Deen Baloch, amid a police crackdown.
