In response to escalating security concerns, the Balochistan government has imposed a night-time travel ban on major highways across several districts, primarily affecting public transport. Â
The deputy commissioners of Gwadar, Kachhi, Zhob, Noshki, and Musakhel districts have issued notifications restricting night travel. Additionally, the Quetta administration has prohibited public transport from departing the city during nighttime hours. For instance, Quetta Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat announced that public transport is barred from traveling on the Karachi-Quetta highway (N-25), also known as the RCD Highway, during night hours, effectively disconnecting Balochistan from Sindh during these times. Â
Specific measures include:Â
•Makran Coastal Highway (N-10): Gwadar Deputy Commissioner Hamoodur Rehman stated that all public transport on this route is banned at night until further notice. Departure times from Karachi, Gwadar, and Quetta have been adjusted to ensure arrivals before nightfall. Â
•Quetta-Sukkur Highway (N-65): Kachhi Deputy Commissioner Jahanzaib Langove directed that all public and private transport avoid travel between 5 pm and 5 am from March 28 onward. Vehicles traveling during these hours will be halted at designated points. Â
•Quetta-Taftan Highway (N-40) and Multan-Loralai Highway (N-70): Noshki Deputy Commissioner Amjad Soomro and Musakhel Deputy Commissioner Juma Dad Mandokhail issued similar bans on night travel between 6 pm and 6 am. Â
These measures follow a series of terrorist attacks targeting passengers in the region. Notably, armed assailants recently blocked the Coastal Highway in Gwadar, killing six individuals from Punjab after removing them from a Karachi-bound bus. Â
Authorities emphasize that these restrictions aim to enhance passenger safety amid the deteriorating security situation. Transporters are advised to adhere to the new schedules and cooperate with directives to ensure compliance and safety. Â
