Quetta-Chaman National Highway Closed for Third Day as Families Protest with Bodies of Two Attack Victims
By Syed Sardar Mohammad Khondai
QILA ABDULLAH, Balochistan: The Quetta-Chaman National Highway remained completely closed to all types of traffic for the third consecutive day as bereaved families and local tribesmen continued their protest against an armed attack in the Tang Masezai area of Gulistan, Qila Abdullah district.
According to local sources and family members, armed attackers targeted members of the Masezai tribe, killing two people and injuring another. One person was also reportedly abducted during the incident.
Following the attack, the victims’ families placed the bodies of the two deceased in ambulances and began a sit-in at Meezai Adda on the Quetta-Chaman National Highway, bringing traffic between Quetta and Chaman to a standstill.
Protesters Demand Arrests and Recovery of Abducted Person
The protesters have refused to bury the deceased until those responsible for the attack are arrested and the abducted person is safely recovered.
The families and local tribesmen said they had taken to the highway to demand justice and immediate action against the attackers. Their protest has disrupted movement along a major route connecting Quetta with Chaman, leaving passengers facing significant difficulties.
Several Key Points Affected by Road Closure
The blockade has affected several locations along the highway, including Meezai Adda, Kamar Bridge, Wal Masezai, Syed Hameed Cross and surrounding areas.
The prolonged closure has suspended regular traffic between Quetta and Chaman, causing inconvenience to commuters and other travellers.
Negotiations Remain Unsuccessful
Several rounds of negotiations have reportedly taken place between government officials and the protesters. However, no agreement has been reached so far, and the administration has yet to secure a successful resolution to the sit-in.
The protesters continue to insist that the authorities take concrete steps to arrest the attackers and recover the abducted person before they call off their demonstration.
The highway remains blocked as the families await action from the authorities.
