Transporters allege extortion at Sangdas checkpost, seek notice

QUETTA: A spokesman for the All Balochistan Transporters Action Committee has strongly condemned alleged extortion and the alleged harassment of transporters at the Sangdas police checkpost. He demanded that the Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner of Kalat take immediate notice of the matter and address the difficulties faced by transporters and the public.

The spokesman alleged that two personnel posted at the checkpost, named Wahab and Ismail, have created difficulties for drivers and transporters of all kinds of vehicles, including oil tankers. He alleged that Rs3,000 per vehicle is forcibly collected there.

He said transporters are deeply distressed because of this alleged extortion, while inflation, rising fuel prices and travel difficulties have already put the transport sector under strain.

The spokesman said it was unacceptable at any checkpost to allegedly rob transporters and forcibly collect money from them under the guise of the law. He said it was the responsibility of the authorities concerned to protect the public and transporters and to examine complaints of misuse of official powers impartially.

He demanded an immediate inquiry into the alleged extortion. He also demanded that action be taken in accordance with the law against the named personnel if the allegations were proved, and that transporters be freed from this alleged plunder, so that they could carry on their trade and travel without fear.