QUETTA: Balochistan Governor Jafar Khan Mandokhel has emphasized the urgent need for a permanent government building for the National Highways and Motorways Police in the province, calling its current operation from a rented facility a major obstacle to road safety.
During a meeting with Motorway DIG Dr. Quraish Khan at the Governor House on Monday, Governor Mandokhel stressed that the lack of proper infrastructure hinders effective traffic management. He highlighted the critical issue of road fatalities, noting that thousands die in traffic accidents on Balochistan’s highways every year despite modern advancements.
“The unavailability of a government building for such an important institution is the biggest obstacle,” Mandokhel stated. He called for the immediate formulation of a comprehensive strategy to reduce accidents, underscoring that the full use of modern technology is essential for monitoring traffic, ensuring vehicle fitness, and enhancing overall road safety.
The Governor commended the Motorway Police’s initiative of issuing international driving licenses in Balochistan after proper testing. He proposed integrating road safety awareness into public universities, suggesting that educational sessions on driving licenses and traffic laws would help cultivate responsibility among youth.
Mandokhel assured the DIG of his full support, pledging to prioritize the resolution of the infrastructure issue and other challenges by engaging relevant federal and provincial authorities. He also emphasized that strengthening coordination between all relevant institutions is vital to addressing the province’s traffic safety challenges effectively.
Meanwhile the government employees from across Balochistan staged a major protest on Thursday, demanding tax relief and decrying what they called the provincial administration’s insincerity and corruption. The demonstration, organized by the Balochistan Grand Alliance, saw a large rally march through the city’s highways before converging on the local press club.
Protesters carried placards and black flags, symbolizing their grievances, before submitting a detailed 40-point charter of demands to the authorities. The charter highlighted key issues, including a reduction in income tax on salaries and the implementation of the Disparity Reduction Allowance (DRA).
