KHUXDAR: In a brazen late-night attack, a large gang of armed bandits robbed hundreds of passengers on the National Highway near Khuzdar, raising serious questions about security in the region.
The incident occurred near the Zawa check-post on the vital Karachi-Quetta route. Eyewitnesses reported that the robbers blocked the highway by parking a truck in the middle of the road, stopping all traffic for several hours.
During the hold-up, the bandits fired at vehicles and systematically looted passengers on multiple buses and small cars. Victims reported losing cash, mobile phones, jewelry, and other valuables. At least three passenger coaches were completely emptied, with each person losing a phone and thousands of rupees.
Despite the robbery taking place just a few kilometers from a police check-post, no security forces arrived to help during the hours-long ordeal. Passengers have heavily criticized the local police leadership for the failure.
This major robbery has intensified public fear about travel on the National Highway, which is often called the lifeline of Balochistan. Many locals say the highway is becoming a “no-go area” and that the government has failed to protect its citizens.
After the robbery, stranded passengers were helped with food and water by hotel owners in Khuzdar. Local authorities have not yet commented on the incident. Remember that Balochistan government recently imposed ban on late night travelling on some Highway in the province.
Meanwhile in a significant public outreach initiative, Inspector General Frontier Corps (IGFC) Balochistan North, Major General Muhammad Atif Mujtaba, conducted a detailed visit to various commercial and public centers in Quetta on Friday.
The senior military officer toured key city areas including Mission Road, Kandahari Bazaar, Liaquat Bazaar, and Zarghun Road, moving through the markets like an ordinary citizen. He engaged directly with shopkeepers, customers, laborers, and local businessmen, listening to their problems and concerns first-hand.
