Protesters Clash with Customs Officials, Quetta-Karachi Road Blocked for Hours
QUETTA – A tense standoff between protesters and customs officials brought traffic between Quetta and Karachi to a standstill on Monday, as transporters accused authorities of corruption and harassment.
According to eyewitnesses, a group of goods transporters staged a protest on the main highway, alleging that customs officials were demanding bribes and targeting vehicles carrying legitimate goods, while failing to take action against actual smugglers. The protesters blocked the road, halting traffic and causing widespread delays for commuters and cargo transporters alike.
Tensions escalated quickly when a scuffle broke out between the protesters and customs personnel. Reports suggest that the confrontation turned physical, prompting customs officials to respond with baton charges and aerial firing in an effort to disperse the crowd. The scene reportedly descended into chaos, with the area described by some witnesses as resembling a battlefield.
The commotion drew the attention of law enforcement, and police forces arrived at the site to restore order. Authorities managed to bring the situation under control, but not before traffic between Quetta and Hub was disrupted for several hours, leaving hundreds of commuters and transporters stranded along the highway.
The protest highlights growing frustration among transporters and goods carriers in the region, who claim they are regularly subjected to harassment and illegal demands at customs checkpoints. Officials have yet to comment publicly on the allegations, while local authorities continue to monitor the situation to prevent further unrest.
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