The Truck Transport Union of Balochistan has initiated a province-wide strike, suspending coal supply from Balochistan to the rest of the country, including Punjab, 24NewsHD TV Channel reported on Monday.
According to the details, the strike comes in response to incidents of trucks being set on fire and the alleged failure of authorities to provide security or compensate the affected truck owners.
Coal loading operations from Dukki, Harnai, Shahrag, and Chamalang have been completely halted for the past eight days. Additionally, coal loading across Balochistan has been suspended for the last three days, bringing the daily supply of approximately 15,000 tonnes of coal to a standstill.
Hundreds of trucks have been parked in protest, with owners halting operations entirely. The strike is expected to significantly impact industries relying on coal nationwide.
The district president of the Truck Transport Union in Dukki, Raza Muhammad Nasir, stated that armed individuals attacked and burnt several trucks in broad daylight in areas like Harnai, Shahrag, Dukki, and Chamalang.
Raza Nasir added that despite these incidents, no compensation has been provided to the truck owners, nor has adequate security been ensured.
The district president declared that the strike would continue until truck owners receive compensation and proper security measures are implemented.
He emphasised the union’s frustration with the lack of action to protect their vehicles and livelihoods.
Reporter: Rehmatullah Musa Khel