Balochistan Transporters Reject Risky Government Security Measures

The transport sector in Balochistan, a province grappling with persistent security challenges, is currently embroiled in a significant dispute with the Pakistani government. The All Balochistan Transporters Alliance has unequivocally rejected a set of newly proposed security measures for passenger buses and commercial vehicles. Their collective stance labels these government initiatives as “unfeasible, ineffectual, and an effort to transfer the responsibility for security shortcomings onto transporters.” This firm declaration comes from a united front of various transport unions, encompassing owners and representatives of buses, trucks, and oil tankers, highlighting a deep-seated concern for the safety of both passengers and the industry’s operational viability.

Unrealistic Expectations: Why Balochistan Transporters Are Concerned

The core of the alliance’s apprehension lies in the practical implications of the government’s proposals, which include:

• Mandatory Surveillance Equipment: The government’s plan mandates the installation of surveillance cameras, tracking devices, and panic buttons within passenger vehicles.
• Onboard Security Personnel: A requirement for security personnel to be present on buses.
• Movement Restrictions: Imposing strict prohibitions on vehicle movements, such as buses being unable to travel to Punjab after 11 AM and a general mandate to cease travel on other highways post-5 PM.

The Balochistan transporters argue that these measures, while seemingly aimed at enhancing security, fundamentally misunderstand the ground realities. Their key points of contention include:

• Inadequate Protection: Two security guards, as stipulated, are deemed insufficient to defend against potentially numerous armed assailants, a grim reality in certain regions.
• Panic and Deterrence: The presence of extensive security apparatus and the constant threat of overnight stops in unsafe zones would only serve to incite panic among passengers and deter travel, further crippling an already struggling sector.
• Increased Vulnerability: Restrictions on travel times, particularly the mandate to halt operations after certain hours, would leave vehicles and passengers stranded in vulnerable situations overnight, ironically increasing risk rather than mitigating it.

Blame Game: A Response to Recent Incidents?

The alliance strongly suspects that these security protocols are a direct governmental response to recent, highly publicized attacks. These incidents include a recent shooting near Kalat where a passenger bus carrying Pakistani security personnel was targeted. Furthermore, in the past year, Baloch “pro-independence” armed groups have reportedly established checkpoints and roadblocks, specifically targeting and executing alleged Pakistani military personnel traveling in civilian transport. The Baloch Liberation Army has claimed responsibility for many of these attacks.

The Balochistan transporters accuse the government of implementing these measures to “preserve its image” following these severe security breaches, effectively shifting the burden of security from state responsibility to that of individual transporters and passengers.

Path Forward: Demands of the Balochistan Transporters Alliance

The All Balochistan Transporters Alliance is not merely rejecting the current proposals; they are actively demanding a more collaborative and pragmatic approach to security. Their call to action includes:

• Realistic and Sustainable Solutions: An urgent appeal for the creation of security policies that are genuinely effective, rather than “superficial policies” that add to the existing strain on the transport sector.
• Serious Discussions: A strong demand for meaningful dialogue with government officials to jointly develop strategies that genuinely improve security without increasing risks for transporters and their passengers.

This ongoing standoff underscores the urgent need for a nuanced approach to security in Balochistan, one that respects the operational challenges faced by the transport industry while genuinely prioritizing the safety of its citizens. The ball is now in the government’s court to respond to the legitimate concerns raised by the Balochistan transporters and forge a path towards truly effective and sustainable security solutions.