Balochistan, a region long burdened by challenges, now faces a growing crisis on its highways. Once vital routes for travel and trade, the Quetta-Karachi, Quetta-Punjab, and Quetta-Islamabad highways have become danger zones. In recent months, insecurity on these roads has surged, discouraging people from traveling. Militants setting up checkpoints, armed robberies, and frequent protests blocking the highways have made them nearly impassable. What were once lifelines connecting provinces are now symbols of fear and uncertainty.
Given the underdevelopment in Balochistan, people of the province heavily rely on Karachi for medical treatment, education, business, and international travel, among others. Due to insecurity on highways lately, the locals find it difficult to even visit Karachi. There have been cases where people have not been able to travel to Karachi for over a month due to constant blocking of the roads due to protests and security reasons. People returning from Umrah have remained stuck in Karachi for days due to highway closures.
The inability of the people of Balochistan to travel freely has impacted their daily lives, disrupted businesses, and limited access to essential services such as healthcare and education. For those living in remote parts of Balochistan, these highways are the only link to the outside world. The growing insecurity has effectively cut off this vital lifeline.
In recent months, there have been multiple incidents where Baloch separatist militants have set up checkpoints of their own. They stopped the vehicles and carried out their checking. These incidents are no longer isolated events but have become a grim routine. Travelers, especially those coming from Punjab, face high risks from such checkpoints.
Besides, there have been robberies on buses travelling in Balochistan. Criminal gangs operate with impunity, particularly on the Karachi highway and the Dera Ismail Khan-Islamabad Road. These gangs rob travelers of cash, valuables, and vehicles, causing financial losses and psychological trauma. In one recent incident, robbers even took the shoes of all travelers along with other valuables. The fear of being robbed or attacked is so intense that many prefer not to travel at all, leading to social and economic isolation.
The people of Balochistan deserve safe roads and the freedom to travel without fear. It is not just about security; it is about ensuring their right to live with dignity
Adding to this crisis are the frequent road blockages due to protests against enforced disappearances. Families of missing persons and activists block highways as a form of protest, demanding answers and justice. Quetta Karachi highway remains blocked at two locations due to such protests, at the time of filing this article. While their grievances are legitimate, the protests further disrupt travel and compound existing security challenges.
The insecurity on highways is severely affecting local communities. Transport shutdowns due to security threats disrupt trade and business activities. Traders cannot transport goods to and from major cities, leading to financial losses and price hikes in local markets. Smaller cities in Balochistan depend on the road network for daily supplies, and the closure of major highways creates shortages of daily necessities. Farmers who transport perishable goods face significant losses when their shipments are delayed or stolen. Small businesses, dependent on intercity trade, are also suffering.
Socially, the insecurity limits access to essential services. People cannot travel to Karachi for healthcare, education, or other necessities. This isolation affects the quality of life, particularly for those living in remote areas with limited local facilities. The impact on students who commute for higher education is especially harsh, as they risk their safety every time they travel.
Psychologically, the constant fear of attacks and kidnappings creates anxiety and stress. People feel unsafe in their environment, leading to a sense of helplessness and emotional fatigue. This is not just about numbers; it is about families who live in constant fear, unable to visit loved ones or travel for emergencies.
Additionally, air travel, once considered a safer alternative, has become unaffordable. The airfare from Quetta to Karachi has crossed 60,000 rupees for a one-way flight, making it out of reach for most people. The flights are limited, and it's hard to find a seat when citizens plan to travel on short notice. This financial burden further isolates the region, restricting mobility and opportunities for economic growth. The cost of air travel is yet another obstacle, making road travel a dangerous necessity for those who cannot afford expensive flights.
The government’s response to the growing insecurity on Balochistan’s highways has been largely inadequate. Local communities feel abandoned and believe the authorities are not taking the issue seriously. People question why their safety is not prioritised and why effective measures are not in place. This perceived neglect is eroding public trust and increasing frustration. The people are losing faith in the system, feeling isolated and marginalised.
To address the growing insecurity on Balochistan's highways, a multi-pronged approach is necessary. First, the government must address the root causes of protests, such as enforced disappearances. Engaging in meaningful dialogue with affected communities can help reduce road blockages and tensions. The peaceful resolution of grievances is essential to restoring normalcy and building public trust.
Investing in infrastructure is also crucial. Better roads with rest areas and safety measures can reduce the risks associated with long-distance travel. Apart from that, the government needs to set up effective security checkpoints to protect the highways. There are already several checkpoints on highways of Balochistan, but they are mainly focused on controlling smuggling and allegedly marred with massive corruption. These checkpoints also cause delays in the travel time of long-distance buses as they are made to wait for long hours under the pretext of searching them. The government needs to focus on checkpoints with the sole aim of securing the highways for the commuters. At the same time, the government must ensure hassle-free movement of buses, and delays in the name of security must be avoided.
The government must take urgent action to restore safety on Balochistan's highways and public confidence. This includes addressing the underlying causes of unrest, enhancing security measures, and investing in infrastructure. The people of Balochistan deserve safe roads and the freedom to travel without fear. It is not just about security; it is about ensuring their right to live with dignity.