Karachi: Transport services between Makuran and Karachi have been suspended for six consecutive days, with thousands of passengers stranded after transporters extended their strike over what they describe as harassment and humiliation at military checkposts along the Coastal Highway.
According to the Sindh–Balochistan Coaches Owners Association, the strike was prompted by repeated incidents in which passengers and drivers were subjected to lengthy interrogations, detentions and mistreatment by security personnel. The association has vowed to continue its protest until authorities address their grievances.
Association chairman Seth Iqbal Shahzai said that a night travel ban imposed by security forces has intensified the crisis, forcing all buses to depart during daylight hours. “This policy results in congestion and hours-long delays at each checkpost,” he said, adding that both passengers and transport operators are facing severe hardship.
Transporters have demanded the immediate lifting of the night travel restrictions, the removal of “unnecessary” checkposts, particularly the one at Hingol and a review of security procedures to ensure dignity and ease for travellers.
The association has appealed to the Prime Minister, Balochistan Corps Commander, Chief Minister and district administrations to intervene, warning that the strike could escalate if their demands remain unmet.
Meanwhile, hundreds of travellers from Turbat, Gwadar, Pasni and other Makuran towns remain stranded en route to Karachi for medical, business, and family purposes. The ongoing disruption has also hit commercial transport, leaving traders facing mounting financial losses due to delivery delays.
At Yousuf Goth bus terminal in Karachi, frustrated passengers voiced anger at what they called government indifference. “We have been waiting here for days,” said one traveller. “If the authorities cannot resolve a basic transportation issue, how can people from remote areas ever trust them?”
As the standoff enters its second week, calls are growing for the government and military authorities to open dialogue with transport unions to end the deadlock and restore vital connectivity between Makuran and Karachi.
