Quetta (UNA) – The central leader of the All Balochistan Transporters Alliance and Information Secretary of the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bus Union, Zahir Shah Kakar, has said that Pakistan’s transport sector is facing its worst-ever crisis. He blamed worsening law and order, arbitrary government restrictions, and alleged extortion at check posts for pushing transporters to the brink of collapse.
Kakar noted that the relentless hike in petroleum product prices has shattered the industry’s economic backbone. “Daily price increases have made it impossible to maintain fare stability. We cannot raise fares due to public pressure, yet the costs keep mounting. This double-edged sword has thrown transporters into heavy losses,” he said.
He further alleged that illegal extortion and forced collections at various check posts have worsened the situation, leaving drivers and owners constantly harassed and transporters deeply anxious.
Warning that millions of livelihoods are now at stake, Kakar said the government’s indifference could soon bring the transport system to a complete standstill, with devastating consequences for both the economy and the public.
The All Balochistan Transporters Alliance and the Bus Union have strongly urged the government to lift unnecessary restrictions, end extortion at check posts, and introduce a stable petroleum pricing policy.
Kakar cautioned that if authorities failed to address transporters’ grievances, they would have no choice but to launch a protest movement—holding the government fully responsible for its repercussions.
