Balochistan [Pakistan], March 30: The Balochistan government has enforced a night-time travel ban on major highways across multiple districts following a surge in terrorist attacks targeting passengers, Dawn reported.
Key Restrictions & Affected Highways
Authorities in Gwadar, Kachhi, Zhob, Noshki, and Musakhel have issued official notifications prohibiting public and private transport from traveling at night.
🚫 Restricted Routes & Timing Regulations:
- Karachi-Quetta Highway (N-25) (RCD Highway):
⏳ Ban Hours: Night-time travel prohibited.
🔍 Security Measures: Buses must have trackers and CCTV cameras operational. - Makran Coastal Highway (N-10):
⏳ Ban Hours: Until further notice.
🛑 Affected Cities: Karachi, Gwadar, Quetta. - Quetta-Sukkur Highway (N-65):
⏳ Ban Hours:5 PM – 5 AM
🚦 Checkpoints:- Sibi to Quetta: Stopped at Nari River Bank, Sibi.
- Quetta to Sibi: Stopped at Kolpur.
- Quetta-Dera Ismail Khan Highway (N-50):
⏳ Ban Hours: 6 PM – 6 AM (Effective since March 27). - Quetta-Taftan Highway (N-40) & Multan-Loralai Highway (N-70):
⏳ Ban Hours: 6 AM – 6 PM
Security Concerns & Rising Violence
🔺 Militant attacks have surged in 2025, leading to over 76 highway closures since January 1.
🔺 Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a banned group, has been linked to recent targeted killings.
Notable Attacks:
- 📍 March 2025:
- Coastal Highway, Gwadar: 6 passengers forcefully removed from a Karachi-bound bus and executed.
- Jaffar Express Hijacking: 26 hostages killed, including 18 security personnel.
- 📍 February 2025:
- Quetta-Sukkur Highway (N-65): Militants disarmed security personnel escorting Balochistan Parliamentary Secretary.
- Barkhan District: 7 Punjab-bound passengers executed after being removed from a bus.
- 📍 August 2023:
- Musakhel District: 23 travelers executed after being abducted from buses.
- 📍 April 2024:
- Quetta-Taftan Highway (N-40): 9 passengers executed near Noshki.
Government Response & Security Measures
🔹 Authorities mandate functional trackers & CCTV on all public transport.
🔹 Transport schedules revised to ensure daytime travel.
🔹 Security forces increasing highway surveillance.
As Balochistan continues to grapple with escalating violence, the government’s travel restrictions aim to curb further civilian casualties and mitigate terrorist threats.