QUETTA: Reports have emerged of attacks and intimidation targeting local residents, transporters and economic activity in Balochistan by various militant groups operating under the banner of Baloch rights.
The reported incidents include extortion, vehicle hijacking, arson and the setting up of illegal checkpoints on highways, according to sources and local reports.
Several incidents affecting residents and businesses have been reported over the past two months in Mastung, Dalbandin and other districts, the sources said.
The incidents include gun attacks on transporters, the hijacking of fruit-laden trucks, seizure of containers carrying commercial goods and theft of livestock, according to the reports.
Sources said militants have also set up illegal checkpoints on highways and demanded large sums of money from local drivers and transporters as extortion. In some cases, between Rs100,000 and Rs200,000 was allegedly demanded, with those refusing to pay facing threats of violence or attacks.
Key trade routes have also been affected, according to the reports. Commercial vehicles and passenger coaches travelling along the Quetta-Karachi N-25 and Quetta-Taftan N-40 highways have allegedly been stopped and money demanded from drivers. Some vehicles were also reportedly set on fire.
In a recent incident on the N-25, security forces reportedly launched an operation against an illegal checkpoint. Officials said 23 people who had been held were rescued and five militants were killed.
The reports also said identity cards of passengers and transport workers were checked at some locations, while workers and passengers from Punjab and Sindh were allegedly targeted in certain incidents.
Transporters in Balochistan have previously complained of financial losses caused by attacks and extortion.
In May 2026, the Balochistan Goods Truck Owners Association announced a halt to the transportation of minerals in protest against attacks, vehicle burnings and extortion, according to reports.
The reported incidents have raised concerns among transporters and traders over the security of major commercial routes and the impact of violence on economic activity in the province.
