KHUZDAR: Khuzdar has reportedly become a major hub for the illegal trade of Iranian fuel, betel nut (chhalia), and narcotics into Sindh and Punjab.
According to details, despite claims by the Balochistan government of cracking down on smuggling, the mafia involved in smuggling continued their activities and the smugglers used two primary routes from Khuzdar including firsts through Pero Umar’s remote paths leading toward Karachi, and another along the Khuzdar-to-Ratodero highway, heading deeper into Sindh.
The local sources revealed that smugglers have established a toll system under the guise of protection payments or line money. Vehicles taking the Wingoo route are allegedly charged up to Rs. 900,000 each, while those using the Saroona route are reportedly paying around Rs. 420,000 per vehicle.
The tightening of enforcement by the Coast Guard on National Highway 25, a key route from Quetta and Gwadar to Karachi has prompted smugglers to adopt alternative routes through Khuzdar.
Reports suggested that Betel nut, cigarettes, and drugs from Quetta, and Iranian oil from Turbat and Gwadar, are first stockpiled in Khuzdar, from where they’re loaded onto large 10-wheeler trucks and motorcycles for further transport.
Reports further said that the Khuzdar-to-Ratodero route is primarily used for smuggling Iranian oil and cigarettes, while the Khuzdar-to-Saroona route sees the transport of betel nut and narcotics.
ALSO READ: Petroleum smuggling to face heavy fines under new law
These organized smuggling networks, operating under the radar of law enforcement, are causing significant concerns among the public. Citizens and civil society groups have called upon the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Chief of Army Staff, Chief Minister of Balochistan, and the Corps Commander of Balochistan to take immediate notice and launch a full-scale investigation into the matter.
