Quetta Traders Demand Removal of FC Checkpoints
Anjuman-e-Tajran Balochistan urges removal of FC checkpoints from central Quetta, citing delays and harassment of legitimate traders.
The Anjuman-e-Tajran Balochistan has officially called for the removal of Frontier Corps (FC) checkpoints from the central areas of Quetta. The traders' association, represented by President Rahim Agha and General Secretary Wali Afghan, has raised serious concerns regarding the current security and inspection procedures at key locations, including Baleli Customs, the bypass, and Lak Pass.
Insecurity and Inconvenience in Central Quetta
The association highlighted that security checkpoints are typically expected at the entry and exit points of a city. However, they argued that the current placement of FC checkpoints near vital locations—such as the Quetta railway station and Askari Park—is causing significant disruption within the city limits.
According to Rahim Agha, these internal checkpoints are leading to several critical issues:
- Delays for Essential Services: Patients traveling to hospitals and ambulances are being forced to wait for extended periods.
- Disruption to Daily Life: Students and employees are facing unnecessary delays in their commutes.
- Economic Hardship: Traders are facing increased difficulties due to the unpredictable nature of these stops.
Agha emphasized that Quetta residents are already struggling with a multitude of challenges, including insecurity, rising inflation, electricity shortages, and heavy traffic congestion. He stressed that security measures should not come at the cost of the dignity, time, and convenience of the citizens.
Discrepancies in Smuggling and Inspections
A major point of contention for the traders is the perceived inconsistency in how goods are inspected. The association raised objections regarding raids on commercial establishments and the alleged confiscation of goods.
The traders' body raised a critical question: how do smuggled products continue to flood the markets despite the dense network of checkpoints across Balochistan and Quetta? They noted a frustrating paradox where:
- Traders carrying legitimate tax documents and purchase receipts are being stopped and delayed.
- Goods are being confiscated despite prior assurances from senior officials that valid documentation would prevent such actions.
- Smuggling remains rampant despite the heavy presence of security forces.
A Call for Procedural Reform
The Anjuman-e-Tajran Balochistan has urged the Corps Commander and the FC Inspector General to conduct a comprehensive review of the current checkpoint system and inspection procedures.
The association suggested a clearer division of duties, arguing that the Frontier Corps should focus strictly on security-related responsibilities. They maintained that matters related to customs and trade should be handled exclusively by the relevant customs authorities to ensure a smoother and more efficient economic environment for the province.